The “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na” program was launched on Wednesday, benefiting 1,250 individuals from vulnerable sectors by offering rice at PHP20 per kilogram through the Kadiwa ng Pangulo caravan. According to town’s senior agriculturist Gene Padilla, the program targets beneficiaries such as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program participants, senior citizens, solo parents, and persons with disabilities. He explained, “Some 250 (50-kg.) bags of rice were procured by the local government unit for the program, and we contacted the beneficiaries.” Padilla added that each qualified participant could purchase up to 10 kg, and he hopes for future schedules, saying, “Hopefully, we can have another schedule through the initiative of our Mayor (Alfe Soriano).”
Tomas Escortiso, 75, from Barangay Gomez, noted that his family of five would benefit from the affordable rice, helping with their daily needs. Leonarda Soriano, 69, and Magdalena Fernandez, 68, both from Polong Norte, expressed their appreciation, with Fernandez stating, “We will have some more budget for our other needs.” Raquel Caldona highlighted the quality of the rice, saying it was a delight, while Fernando Marcilla, 66, from Barangay San Julian, emphasized its value despite the wait, remarking, “This is a big help to everyone here, especially the senior (citizens) and the indigents.” The program aims to alleviate financial burdens for vulnerable communities by providing accessible and affordable food options.