The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said more than 115,000 minimum wage workers benefitted from the P20-a kilo rice of the government as a flagship initiative of President Marcos.
After nearly a month after its initial launch, the “P20 Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na for Minimum Wage Earners” program has reached more than 100,000 minimum wage earners and disadvantaged workers, the DOLE reported.
Data from the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns showed that as of last July 31, a total of 115,827 minimum wage earners across 398 establishments have been able to buy rice at P20 per kilogram under the subsidy program.
Among the program’s beneficiaries were employees of a clothing and lifestyle brand in Pasay City, where both workers and management expressed appreciation for the government initiative.
“We have proven that we can afford twenty pesos per kilo of rice without causing losses to our farmers,” President Marcos said, citing the program’s success in Pangasinan, Cavite, Occidental Mindoro, Cebu, Bacolod, Guimaras, Siquijor, [and] Davao del Sur.
Originally intended for vulnerable sectors, such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), solo parents, and 4Ps beneficiaries, the rice program was expanded to include minimum wage earners through the convergence of the DOLE and the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the shared goal of DOLE and the DA was to expand the program’s reach and ensure its long-term viability.
We want more people to benefit. We want to ensure that sustainability is there. The ultimate dream and goal of the DA and DOLE is to reach all those who need assistance, strengthen their ability to purchase the products of our farmers,” Laguesma said.
