The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced that over 16,000 minimum wage earners have benefited from the nationwide rollout of the “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na for Minimum Wage Earners” program. According to DOLE Officer-in-Charge Benjo Santos, a total of 16,126 employees from 100 establishments participated in the initiative.
On Friday, approximately 800 rank-and-file port workers were able to purchase five kilos of rice each at the Manila Harbor Center in Tondo, Manila, during the program’s launch led by Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to making basic commodities more affordable.
Initially aimed at vulnerable sectors, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, the program has now expanded to support minimum wage workers.
“Ang atin pong Pangulo ay may mensahe para sa mamamayang Pilipino. Mensahe na lagi po nating isaalang-alang ang kapakanan at kagalingan ng manggagawang Pilipino at kayo po iyon. Mensahe na possible ang bente pesos na bigas. Hindi lamang po ito pangakong napapako. Ito po ay isang ganap na katuparan,” Santos stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to the welfare of Filipino workers.
Fernan Nerida, president of the Manila Harbor Center Port Services Inc. Labor Union, expressed gratitude to DOLE and DA for extending the program to minimum wage workers, highlighting its importance during challenging times. “Makakatulong ito sa ating mga pamilya, lalong lalo na sa panahon ngayon,” he said.