No province left behind in P20/kg. rice under ‘BBM Na’ – DA

By Stephanie Sevillano, Philippine News Agency

AFFORDABLE RICE. The Department of Agriculture (DA) launches the PHP20 per kg. rice program under the Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na in Tawi-Tawi on Thursday (Feb. 5, 2026). The DA assured that no province will be left behind amid its nationwide BBM Na expansion in line with the food security and affordability targets of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (Photo: Department of Agriculture – Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday assured that no province will be left behind in its PHP20 per kg. rice program under the ‘Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na’.

The DA made the assurance as the government launched the BBM Na in Tawi-Tawi as part of the agency’s nationwide expansion efforts in line with the food security and affordability targets of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

In a statement, Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness, Marketing and Consumer Affairs Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra said the move is strategic considering that the province has no local rice production.

“Bagama’t magkakahiwalay ang ating mga isla at malayo sa sentro ng kalakalan, malinaw ang direktiba ng Pangulong Marcos na walang lalawigan ang malilimutan at walang Pilipino ang maiiwan (Although our islands are separated and far from the center of trade, the directives of our President Marcos remain clear, that no province will be forgotten and no Filipino will be left behind),” she said.

Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael Sali welcomed the expansion, stressing its advantages for qualified beneficiaries.

“The Provincial Government of Tawi-Tawi fully commits to support the P20 Benteng Bigas program. Malaking tulong ito sa aming mga kababayan, lalo na sa mga pamilyang higit na nangangailangan (It’s a great help for our fellow Filipinos, especially for families that are in need the most),” he added.

Tawi-Tawi relies heavily on the fisheries and seaweed sectors, making it a challenge to access affordable local rice.

The province depends on shipments of the staple from other regions.

“Ang Tawi-Tawi ay mahalagang bahagi ng ating layunin na tiyakin ang sapat, abot kaya, at de kalidad na bigas para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino (Tawi-Tawi is a vital part of our aspiration to ensure sufficient, affordable, and quality rice for each Filipino family),” Guevarra said.

With the BBM Na in place, about 25,000 beneficiaries are expected to benefit in the province.

These include local fishers, seaweed farmers, members of low-income households, and other individuals from vulnerable sectors in Tawi-Tawi who are eligible to purchase rice at PHP20 per kg.