DA: Study on distribution app for P20/kg rice rollout underway

By Stephanie Sevillano, Philippine News Agency

CHEAPER RICE. Rice sold at PHP20 per kilogram under the administration’s “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program during the official launching in Cebu on May 1, 2025. The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday (May 8) said a study is now underway for the possible adoption of an application system used by the Cebu provincial government for a more organized rollout of PHP20 per kilogram of rice in Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) sites in the country. (Photo courtesy of Department of Agriculture)

MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday said a study is underway for the possible adoption of an application system used by the Cebu provincial government for a more organized rollout of PHP20 per kilogram of rice in Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) sites in the country.

The PHP20 per kg. rice program, dubbed “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na” rice, was earlier launched in Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) Center in Cebu on May 1.

The scheduled rollout in Metro Manila was moved on May 13 from May 2 in compliance with the “ayuda” (assistance) ban of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) 10 days before the May 12 midterm polls.

In an online press briefing, DA deputy spokesperson Assistant Secretary Joycel Panlilio said representatives from the DA-Information and Communication Technologies department have already travelled to Cebu to look into the application.

“It’s an ID na may (with) QR code,” she said, referring to the application system being used in Cebu for the local government’s regular aid distribution.

Panlilio said this mechanism may be implemented for the PHP20 per kg rice sale.

“So, pagdating po nila sa Kadiwa or kung saang LGUs (local government units) po sila bibili, i-scan po iyong kanilang QR code para makita kung hanggang ilan pa po ang kanilang pwede pang mabili or kung ilan ang kanilang nabili na (when they arrive in Kadiwa or wherever LGUs they will buy from, their QR code will be scanned to see how much they can still buy or how much volume they have already bought),” she said.

In particular, the agri official said the DA is studying its application features, setting up the system, generating ID cards, and preparing other necessary hardware.

“Sa loob ng dalawang linggo, magbibigay na po sila ng recommendation kay Secretary (Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.) kung paano ito ma-i-implement ng (Within two weeks, they will give a recommendation to Secretary on how this could be implemented by the) DA,” Panlilio added.

Earlier, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. lauded the Cebu LGU for its readiness in rolling out the cheaper rice sale, citing the application as a “benchmark” for the national implementation of the program.

The DA, meanwhile, said they may collaborate with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to expedite the identification of beneficiaries under the vulnerable sector.

Starting May 13, the DA will roll the PHP20/kg. rice in KNP sites in Kamuning Public Market in Cubao, Quezon City; Mandaluyong Public Market I at Kalentong St. Pag-asa, and Mandaluyong Public Market II at Fabella Rd., Barangay. Addition Hills, in Mandaluyong City; Bagong Silang Phase 9 Public Market in Barangay 176 in Caloocan; Pasay City Public Market at Libertad St., Corner Taft, Pasay City; Navotas Agora Complex, North Bay Boulevard, Navotas City; and in New Las Piñas Public Market, Alderan St., Zapotec, Las Piñas City.

The KNP sites in Metro Manila with operations every Thursday, will roll out the BBM Na starting May 15, including the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority in Aria Street, Barangay Talon 2, Las Piñas City; theBureau of Plant Industry, San Andres St. in Brgy. 706, Malate, Manila; Bureau of Animal Industry (Dome) in Visayas Avenue, Barangay Vasra, Quezon City; Philippine National Police (PNP) in Camp Crame, Quezon City; Food Terminal Incorporation (FTI) in Brgy. Western Bicutan, Taguig; Bagong Sibol Market at Kabayani Rd.

, Brgy. Nangka, Marikina City; Disiplina Village (Phase 1) at E.Quadra St., Ugong, Valenzuela City; Brgy. 183, Midway Park in Caloocan City; Agribusiness Development Center at the DA Compound, Elliptical Rd., Diliman, Quezon City; Philpost in Liwasang Bonifacio Magallanes Dr, Intramuros, Manila; and Navotas City Hall grounds at M. Naval St. in Navotas City.

The KNP site in Lingayen, Pangasinan, will also roll out the BBM Na program on May 15.

For the monthly purchase limit, a 30-kg monthly limit is set for the vulnerable sector in KNP sites, and a 40-kg limit for each beneficiary in the Visayas areas for the BBM Na pilot rollout.