By Bea Rollo
(June 13, 2025) — Minimum wage earners can now buy rice at P20 per kilo under a government program launched nationwide Friday by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
The initiative of the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” was first rolled out in Cebu on Labor Day. National Food Authority (NFA) will provide the rice to be sold for the program which is sourced from local farmers. The pilot phase runs through December.
READ ALSO: P20 rice supply sustainable, says Pres. Marcos
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the inclusion of low-income workers in the program is a major step toward improving their purchasing power.
“Napakalaking bagay kung ang isang minimum wage earner ay makakabili rin ng bigas na P20 per kilo. Kung sampung kilo ang pwedeng bilhin,” Laguesma said.
“Mayroon siyang P100 o P200 na puwede niya namang mai-ukol sa iba pang mga bilihin, at siguro gaganda ang purchasing power po ng ating minimum wage earner,” he added.
According to DOLE, nearly 120,000 workers from over 500 establishments will initially benefit, with the number expected to rise as more firms participate.
The program targets up to 14 million Filipinos, including senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, and indigent households.
The directive for the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program is bound to be sustained until 2028.
READ ALSO: Labor group feels ‘scammed’ after wage hike bill killed
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