The Department of Agriculture (DA) is expanding its ₱20-per-kilo rice program, targeting a nationwide rollout by 2026, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. announced on Tuesday, Sept. 16.

Tiu Laurel said the “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na” initiative is now being made available to the transportation sector, ensuring affordable rice for its members.

Around 57,000 transport workers under the Department of Transportation (DOTr) are expected to benefit in the initial rollout.

By October, the DA is targeting a supply of 1,000 metric tons (MT) per day, doubling to 2,000 MT daily in November, and reaching 3,000 MT a day by December.

The goal is to sustain sales of 20 MT of rice, even under a weekly distribution scheme.

The DA noted that the program will cover jeepney, taxi, and bus drivers, with bus and UV Express operators set to be included in about two weeks.

Tiu Laurel added that other priority groups include minimum wage earners, farmers, fishermen, and fish workers, while the school sector under the Department of Education (DepEd) is next in line by Oct. 15.

The latter, however, may take longer to implement due to its scale, involving over 800,000 personnel and thousands of schools nationwide.

“But just give us a little time; it’s a bit complicated. It’s easier to do TODAs [tricycle operators and drivers’ associations] because there’s a list of LGUs [local government units] and this is nationwide,” the DA chief explained.

“We’re also actively working with other departments in the government so that their sectors that they want to prioritize will be given a priority,” he added.

However, Tiu Laurel warned of a potential drop in agricultural output due to heavy rains and low-pressure areas (LPAs), which have damaged crops.

He noted that production could fall from 20.45 million MT to 20.35 million MT, and in extreme cases, to just 100,000 MT.

The DA chief added that adverse weather has also driven up the cost of vegetables, as high-value crops are vulnerable to floods.

Tiu Laurel also vowed stronger action against agricultural smugglers, saying the DA will pursue those using fraudulent import licenses.

An interagency crackdown involving the Department of Justice (DOJ), National Security Council (NSC), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and Philippine National Police (PNP) is ongoing, with 35 groups already blacklisted and more under investigation.

To curb smuggling, Tiu Laurel noted that the government will ensure sufficient legal imports during off-season periods, including 50,000 MT of red onions, 25,000 MT of white onions, and 55,000 MT of fish certificates of necessity. This aims to reduce the profit opportunities for smugglers.

(Ricardo M. Austria)