By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday led the official launch of his flagship PHP20-per-kg. rice program in Bien Unido, Bohol.
The initiative, called “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na”, is being implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and allows eligible Filipinos to buy rice at PHP20 per kg.
The initial rollout in Bien Unido will benefit about 2,700 residents, including senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities (PWDs), Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries, farmers, fisherfolk, and minimum wage earners.
Marcos was in Bohol to inaugurate the Calunasan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP), a major infrastructure designed to boost agricultural productivity in the province.
As the government provides subsidized rice to poor Filipinos, the Chief Executive assured that efforts are underway to make the Philippines more self-sufficient through programs such as farm modernization.
“Kasama lahat ‘yan dito sa ating pagpapatayo, pagpapalagay ng mga ganitong klaseng irrigation project para doon lumaki ang ating produksyon (That is all part of our initiatives to boost our production),” he said.
While in Bohol, Marcos also inspected the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) Caravan to observe its operations and processes at the Mandaug Elementary School in Calape town.
YAKAP, launched by the President in July, offers a more comprehensive primary care package, including additional medicines and essential drugs, increased laboratory procedures, and cancer screening tests at accredited primary care facilities. (PNA)
