500 Tagbilaran residents buy rice at P20

per kilo under Marcos food program

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA)--At least 500 senior citizens, persons with disabilities and solo parents in Tagbilaran City bought subsidized rice at P20 per kilo during the local rollout of the Benteng Bigas Mero Na program on March 18.

The program was launched at the City Hall grounds by Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap, in partnership with the City Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (CEDIPO), the City Agrivet and Veterinary Office (CAVO), the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Food Terminal Inc. (FTI).

Each beneficiary was allowed to buy up to 10 kilos of rice at the subsidized rate.

For Viviana Galon, 64, of Habitat Village, Barangay Bool, the timing could not have been better. She bought 40 kilos – the maximum for her household – as she and her husband are both senior citizens and have two children with hearing disabilities who also qualify as beneficiaries.

“Daku gyud ni kaayo og tabang kanamo ilabi na ron panahona nga nimahal na ang mga panaliton (This has been a great help to us, especially now that the prices are starting to rise),” Galon said.

The subsidized rice was sold through the Kadiwa Ng Pangulo, a government initiative that enables residents to purchase local products at affordable prices. Alongside the rice, the City Hall grounds also offered fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs and dairy products at reduced prices from March 18-19.

CEDIPO head Atty. Vincent Louie A. Raotraot said beneficiaries were required to register in advance – either online through a designated link or in person at the office – due to limited allocation and in compliance with national government guidelines.

The Benteng Bigas Meron Na program is part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to provide Filipinos, particularly those from poor and vulnerable sectors, with access to cheaper and higher-quality rice. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

Alongside the P20 per kilo rice sold through the Kadiwa Ng Pangulo, the Tagbilaran City Hall grounds also offered fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs and dairy products at reduced prices from March 18-19. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)