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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOLE: Over 115,000 minimum wage earners benefit from ₱20/kilo rice program

DOLE: Over 115,000 minimum wage earners benefit from ₱20/kilo rice program

Published Aug 7, 2025 04:31 pm
Minimum wage earners from different regions benefit from the government’s subsidized rice distribution under the “P20 Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na for Minimum Wage Earners” program, an initiative of the Marcos administration to ease food expenses for low-income workers. (Photo courtesy of DOLE)
Minimum wage earners from different regions benefit from the government’s subsidized rice distribution under the “P20 Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na for Minimum Wage Earners” program, an initiative of the Marcos administration to ease food expenses for low-income workers. (Photo courtesy of DOLE)
More than 115,000 minimum wage earners nationwide have received ₱20 per kilo rice through a subsidized distribution program, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said on Thursday, Aug. 7.
As of July 31, a total of 115,827 workers from 398 private establishments have availed of the rice subsidy under the “P20 Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na” program jointly implemented by DOLE and the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Launched on June 13, the program initially catered to vulnerable sectors and was later expanded to include minimum wage earners through partnerships with labor groups, employers, and local government units (LGUs).
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the initiative seeks to provide affordable rice to workers while supporting local farmers and ensuring the program’s long-term sustainability.
The program has been implemented in various areas, including San Juan in Pangasinan, Cavite, Occidental Mindoro, Cebu, Bacolod, Guimaras, Siquijor, and Davao del Sur.
It was among the initiatives cited by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), where he affirmed the viability of offering rice at ₱20 per kilo without undermining farmers’ income.
“We have proven that we can offer rice at ₱20 per kilo without causing losses to our farmers,” Marcos said.
To support the program, the DA allocated ₱113 billion for food-related initiatives and mobilized Kadiwa centers in coordination with LGUs.
DOLE also tapped informal workers under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program, deploying 368 beneficiaries for repacking and distribution tasks.
The effort generated more than ₱2 million in wages based on regional rates.
Among those who received the subsidized rice were employees of a retail company in Pasay, through coordination with DOLE.
“This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the link between producers and consumers and to ensure continued access to affordable rice for workers,” Laguesma said.
He added that DOLE and DA aim to further expand the program to reach more beneficiaries in the formal sector, in coordination with LGUs and other stakeholders.

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