More than 7,000 minimum wage earners in Negros Oriental have benefited from the government’s PHP20 per kilogram rice program, according to an official from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” initiative began rolling out in June, with several business establishments signing up, said Nole Torres, DOLE-Negros Island Region (NIR) senior labor officer and focal person for the rice program.
“If you can still remember the promise of our President on the P20/kg rice, here comes its realization but this is only for the minimum wage earners because the Department of Agriculture will take care of the indigent sector,” Torres stated.
On Saturday, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma led the distribution of government rice to 50 beneficiaries from four establishments in Dumaguete City during a ceremony at the DOLE-NIR office in Barangay Bajumpandan. The beneficiaries included employees from Prime Retail Corporation, Dynamic Development Corporation, Luxe Prime Retail Corporation, and Superstore Retail Corporation.
The previous day, Laguesma also distributed rice to 50 sugar workers in Tanjay City, showcasing the program’s expansion across various sectors. Torres clarified that the rice subsidy program is not limited to indigents; workers from private establishments are also eligible.
Under the scheme, employers purchase rice at subsidized prices and distribute it to workers, who pay through salary deductions. Participating companies must submit their employees’ names to DOLE for verification before coordinating with Food Terminal, Inc. and the National Food Authority for processing.
The program has already been adopted by security agencies, sugar industry players, hotels, and resorts in the province. Torres encouraged more private firms to enroll in the initiative, allowing their employees to access affordable rice and reduce living costs. “This program not only helps the workers, it also boosts morale and ensures food security at the household level,” he added.