The municipal government here is planning to bring the PHP20 per kilo rice program of the national government to the far-flung villages of the town.

Municipal agriculturist Rodolfo dela Cruz said on Thursday that the expansion aims to make the affordable rice program more accessible to residents in far-flung areas, helping them save on transportation costs.

“We wanted to go to other barangays aside from Poblacion but still for approval of the committee. So other residents from far-flung areas may also avail and for them to save on their fare expenses,” he said.

On Thursday, the third round of the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program was held in Barangay Poblacion, offering 100 sacks of 50-kg rice to qualified individuals from vulnerable sectors.

So far, around 3,000 residents have benefited from the program.

Initial target beneficiaries include senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) members.

“The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office has the masterlist of the vulnerable sector and they need to bring identification cards as proof that they are qualified beneficiaries,” he said.

He added the local government continues to request additional rice allocations to sustain the program, which is part of the national Kadiwa ng Pangulo initiative. (PNA)