The government’s “Benteng Bigas Meron Na!” program is changing lives in upland communities like Barangay Pala-Pala, where solo parent Maricel Siapco can now buy rice at just P20 per kilo.
Thanks to the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bulacan Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, Siapco has more money to spend on fruits and nutritious food for her children. “This is a huge help. I can now stretch my budget while making sure my kids are well-fed, especially with school starting soon,” she said.
Siapco, a 34-year-old laundrywoman and co-op helper, called the program a lifeline for struggling solo parents.
Cooperative Chairman Daisy Duran said the rice is sold through KADIWA stores, a partnership with the DA and Food Terminal Inc. (FTI). The store also offers rice at ₱29 per kilo sourced from irrigators’ associations with support from the National Irrigation Administration.
DA Region 3’s Jennelyn Ibale assured consumers of a steady supply, as the National Food Authority boosts direct palay purchases from local farmers—ensuring affordable rice while supporting rural livelihoods.
