P20/kg rice program reaches Tawi-Tawi

The Philippine government’s nationwide program to provide rice at 20 pesos per kilogram, officially known as “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na! (BBM Na!)”, has been expanded to include Tawi-Tawi province, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

Reaching Remote Communities

Tawi-Tawi, an island province in the Sulu archipelago, relies on rice shipments from other regions as its residents primarily depend on fish and seaweed cultivation for their livelihoods. The program’s rollout in the provincial capital, Bonga, was presided over by Agriculture Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra.

A Presidential Directive

Guevarra emphasized that President Marcos’ directive is to ensure no province or Filipino is left behind, stating, “Tawi-Tawi is an integral part of our goal to ensure sufficient, affordable, and quality rice for every Filipino family.” The program, launched on May 1, 2025, is a fulfillment of Marcos’ campaign promise to make rice accessible to disadvantaged sectors.

Did You Know? The “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program aims to cover 15 million households, or 60 million individuals, by the end of 2025.

Sustained Support and Broader Impact

President Marcos has ordered the DA to continue the program until the end of his term in 2028. The initiative is intended to do more than simply subsidize rice; it aims to offset high food and transportation costs, particularly in island provinces.

Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael Sali expressed full support for the program, stating it would be “a great help, especially to families who need affordable rice.”

Program Expansion and Beneficiaries

Since January 13th, Tawi-Tawi is the fifth province to participate in the program’s provincial rollouts. Approximately 25,000 individuals are expected to benefit, including those from low-income households, fisherfolk, seaweed farmers, and other vulnerable sectors.

Expert Insight: Extending affordable rice access to geographically isolated areas like Tawi-Tawi demonstrates a commitment to national food security and addressing regional economic disparities. The program’s long-term success will likely depend on maintaining a stable supply chain and addressing logistical challenges inherent in reaching remote communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program?

It’s a nationwide initiative offering rice at 20 pesos per kilogram, launched on May 1, 2025, as a campaign promise of President Marcos.

Which sectors are expected to benefit in Tawi-Tawi?

Approximately 25,000 individuals, including those from low-income households, fisherfolk, seaweed farmers, and other vulnerable sectors, are expected to benefit.

How long is the program expected to last?

President Marcos has ordered the Department of Agriculture to sustain the program until the end of his term in 2028.

As the program expands, will it be able to consistently meet the needs of vulnerable populations across the Philippines?