THE Department of Agriculture announced Friday that jeepney and tricycle drivers will be included in the P20 per kilogram rice program “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na” starting Sept. 16.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the expansion was agreed upon with Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon and Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco during the program’s launch for fisherfolk at the Navotas Fish Port.
“I have earlier agreed with Sec. Vince, and the mayor was also here, to include in the BBM Na program those who are in TODA (Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association), transport workers,” Tiu Laurel said in an ambush interview.
“Jeepney and tricycle drivers are very susceptible to fuel price fluctuations,” he added.
In Navotas alone, Tiangco said there are about 4,000 transport workers listed under TODA.
Tiu Laurel said they will launch the BBM Na for TODA drivers in five selected areas across the country on Sept. 16, with locations yet to be finalized.
The agriculture chief added that the list of eligible beneficiaries under TODA will come from the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
He said they may also buy the cheaper rice at Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) markets or in accredited sites in municipal offices.
A 10-kilogram monthly purchase limit will also apply to TODA beneficiaries.
Aside from jeepney and tricycle drivers, Tiu Laurel said the P20 per kilogram rice program is also set to expand to other local farmers outside the rice sector and will soon be made more accessible through National Food Authority (NFA) warehouses nationwide.
