DESPITE its P20-per-kilo price tag, the cheap rice distributed under a newly launched government subsidy program in Misamis Oriental is guaranteed to be of high quality, the National Food Authority (NFA) in Northern Mindanao assured the public.
“Hindi po kami magre-release ng bigas kung hindi maganda ang quality dahil istrikto po kami sa pamimili ng palay. Hindi na po katulad dati na may isyu na may amoy,” said NFA-10 Regional Manager Mike Tecson during the rollout last Friday, March 6.
GUIDE: How to Avail of P20/Kilo "Benteng Bigas"
The initiative is part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration, aimed at helping low-income families cope with rising food prices.
Dubbed “Benteng Bigas, Meron na sa MisOr,” the program was simultaneously launched in several municipalities across the province, with Misamis Oriental Governor Juliette Uy leading the distribution in Villanueva town.
In her speech, Uy acknowledged that some consumers remain doubtful about the quality of NFA rice due to past issues. However, she assured the public that the grain distributed under the program had passed strict inspection.
“Basta gani NFA nga bugas, daot, baho, nasalagmaan lang na sa una. Wala na 'na karon. Mismo kita, ato nang gi-check ang bugas nga wala'y problema,” Uy said.
According to Jose Apollo Pacamalan, regional director of the Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao, the rice being sold under the program was procured by the NFA from local farmers in Bukidnon at P33 per kilo. It is then sold to beneficiaries at P20 per kilo, with the government subsidizing the P13 difference.
Pacamalan said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) identified the beneficiaries, prioritizing low-income households, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.
Tecson added that the NFA has strengthened its quality control measures in purchasing palay to ensure that consumers receive a good product.
“We assure that NFA rice is of good quality,” he said.
For beneficiaries like Ben Casiño, a senior citizen from Barangay Dayawan, the subsidized rice provides significant relief. Unable to work and relying mainly on support from his children, Casiño said the program helps stretch his limited budget.
“Dako gyud ni nga tabang sa ako. Imaginon nimo sa P100 nako, lima na ka kilo,” Casiño said.
Residents who wish to avail of the P20-per-kilo rice may buy it at the NFA office in Tablon, Tecson noted.
Buyers must present a valid ID and a barangay certification confirming that they belong to a low-income household.
GUIDE: How to Avail of P20/Kilo "Benteng Bigas"
A Step-by-Step for Misamis Oriental Residents
STEP 1: Check Your Eligibility
The program specifically targets those most affected by rising food prices. You qualify if you are:
- A Low-Income Household (identified by DSWD)
- A Senior Citizen
- A Person with Disability (PWD)
- A 4Ps Beneficiary
STEP 2: Prepare Your Documents
Before heading to the outlet, ensure you have these two items ready:
- Valid Government ID (Senior Citizen ID, PWD ID, or any National/Postal ID).
- Barangay Certification confirming your status as a low-income resident.
STEP 3: Visit the Distribution Point
- Primary Location: NFA Office, Brgy. Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City.
- Local Rollouts: Watch for announcements from your specific Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) for scheduled "Benteng Bigas" caravans in your town (e.g., Villanueva, Opol).
Important Reminders:
- Purchase Limit: To ensure everyone is served, purchases are typically capped at 10 kilos per person.
- Quality Guarantee: All rice is locally sourced from Bukidnon and has passed NFA-10 quality inspections.
- Schedule: Outlets are generally open during regular government office hours, but it is best to arrive early.
