The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday assured the public of the continued availability of PHP20-per-kilo rice under the “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na” program, with more selling sites set to open this month.

In a Radyo Pilipinas interview, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the sale of aging but good-quality rice stocks could remain feasible until 2028, with additional BBM Na sites expected to be established across the country.

“Very possible po ito dahil actually, sa ngayon ay mayroon pa tayong ilo-launch ngayong buwan na ito, bukod doon sa 806 na active sites na nagbebenta ng ating programa under the Benteng Bigas Meron Na (This is very possible because, actually, we still have additional sites to launch this month, on top of the 806 active sites currently selling rice under the Benteng Bigas Meron Na program),” he said.

On Sept. 1, the DA rolled out the BBM Na program in Amulung, Cagayan, and Baao, Camarines Sur. On Tuesday, the agency is set to make PHP20 per kilo rice available at three more sites in Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur, and Peñablanca, Cagayan.

More BBM Na sites are also scheduled to begin operations next week in Caraga, Davao Oriental; La Carlota, Negros Occidental; Sibulan, Negros Oriental; Irosin, Sorsogon; and Bacuag, Surigao del Norte.

The initiative is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to sustain government support for affordable rice options for vulnerable sectors and other qualified beneficiaries.

De Mesa assured the public of adequate rice supply, citing the upcoming procurement of palay (unhusked rice) by the National Food Authority (NFA) as the wet harvest season begins.

As of Monday, at least 121,271 metric tons of rice had been sold under the BBM Na program, generating PHP2.4 billion in sales.

Since the program’s launch in May 2025, an estimated 12.1 million beneficiaries have gained access to the affordable rice.

The DA also said it does not need a substantial increase in funding to sustain the subsidized rice program until the end of Marcos’ term, despite rising farm input costs, including fertilizer and fuel.

“Honestly, not too much. This year, PHP10 billion allocated funds, but hindi pa nagagamit (not yet utilized) and next year, PHP10 billion din,” DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel told the Philippine News Agency in a WhatsApp message.

Meanwhile, the DA is securing additional funding for fertilizer requirements to support Filipino farmers in preparation for the looming very strong El Niño. (PNA)