Pangasinan: The ‘Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na’ program was launched here on Wednesday, benefiting 1,250 individuals from vulnerable sectors. Under the program, members of vulnerable sectors, including Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries, senior citizens, solo parents, and persons with disabilities, can avail of rice at PHP20 per kg. at the Kadiwa ng Pangulo caravan, the town’s senior agriculturist Gene Padilla said in an interview.
According to Philippines News Agency, some 250 (50-kg.) bags of rice were procured by the local government unit for the program, and beneficiaries were contacted to participate. Each qualified beneficiary was able to purchase a maximum of 10 kg. Program officials hope to schedule another round of distribution, as indicated by the town’s senior agriculturist, with possible support from Mayor Alfe Soriano.
Local residents expressed gratitude for the initiative. Tomas Escortiso, 75, from Barangay Gomez, noted that his family of five would benefit from the rice purchased through the program. Similarly, Leonarda Soriano, 69, and Magdalena Fernandez, 68, both from Polong Norte, extended their thanks to the national government, emphasizing the positive impact on their household budgets.
Raquel Caldona appreciated the high quality of the rice, while Fernando Marcilla, 66, from Barangay San Julian, remarked on the affordability of the rice despite the long queues. He highlighted the significant assistance this program provided, particularly to senior citizens and indigent individuals in the town.