The Department of Agriculture (DA) expanded its flagship food security program, the P20 “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” Rice Project, to Baguio City, targeting vulnerable households during the city’s Panagbenga Festival.
The DA conducted a special rollout in front of Baguio City Hall, providing affordable rice to 500 household beneficiaries from priority sectors including senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program members, indigent households, minimum wage earners, transport group members, teachers and farmers.
DA assistant secretary for agribusiness, marketing and consumer affairs Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra noted the administration’s commitment to ensuring that quality rice reaches vulnerable Filipino families.
“This is not just a short-term program, but part of a broader and long-term plan to strengthen the country’s food security, protect consumers, and support our farmers. Through a strong partnership between the national government and local government units, we can bring services closer to the people and ensure that no Filipino family is left behind,” she said.
Baguio City vice-mayor Faustino Olowan pledged the local government’s full support for the initiative, emphasizing their commitment to collaborating on programs that provide direct relief to residents.
The National Food Authority warehouse in Loakan, Baguio City, continues to operate as a regular P20 rice outlet, managed by the Food Terminal Inc., serving qualified beneficiaries Monday to Friday.
The DA is designating the KADIWA ng Pangulo Store at the Slaughterhouse Compound, Sto. Niño, as a new outlet. Managed by the Farmers Cooperative Association, the additional site aims to decongest current distribution points and improve accessibility for eligible households.
