The local government is awaiting the official guidelines for the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” (BBM) program, which aims to offer rice at PHP20 per kilo.

Mayor Jerry Treñas on Monday said they talked about the program in a meeting with the regional director of the Department of Agriculture last week.

“We never had funds for that because this is a very new program. We will have to reallocate some funds because for me it is going to be a big help for our residents in the city. I have talked to the regional director of DA. We are ready to support. We will wait for the guidelines,” he said.

While waiting for the guidelines, residents of this city have found an opportunity to avail of the PHP29 per kilo Rice-for-All sold during the Kadiwa Merkado Lokal of the city government.

It is held on Thursday and Friday every third week of the month.

Meanwhile, the city government on Monday received a PHP1.96 million donation from Bombo Radyo Philippines Foundation, Inc. for the purchase of raw materials for the rice-mongo-sesame blend food technology.

The blend will be used for the complementary feeding of children six months to 59 months old.

“The city government will adopt the rice-mongo-sesame blend food technology developed by the DOST (Department of Science and Technology) Food and Nutrition Research Institute for our nutrition program,” the mayor said.

He added that the city government would look for additional funds to ensure sustainability.

The production of the nutri-mix is simultaneous with the production of enhanced nutribun for the feeding program of children in daycare centers.

“Iloilo has one of the lowest rates of malnourished children. But we should not stop there because the better nutrition they have, the easier to teach them. This is again one step in preparing for their future,” the mayor added.

Board of trustee Rogelio Florete Jr. represented the foundation during the signing of the deed of donation and turnover of check at the city mayor’s office. (PNA)