CamSur workers latest beneficiaries of P20/kg rice program

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

A total of 300 minimum wage earners from Naga College Foundation (NCF) have become the latest beneficiaries of the Marcos administration’s “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program in the Bicol region, receiving rice at a subsidized price of ₱20 per kilo.

This key initiative aims to alleviate the burden of food costs for low-income workers, according to Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Director Imelda Gatinao.

The ceremonial launch took place on Thursday, July 26, at the 2nd Floor of the CRTD Hall, Lemon Residences along Magsaysay Avenue in Naga City, marking a significant milestone in Camarines Sur with the rollout of the first batch of the ₱20 rice program.

Gatinao, along with DOLE Camarines Sur Provincial Director Ma. Ella Verano, finalized the agreement with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office V, the National Food Authority (NFA), Naga College Foundation (NCF), and the Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (CSCCI).

They distributed 10 kilograms of rice to each employee.

This collaborative effort highlights the government’s commitment to making affordable staple goods more accessible to the public, particularly for the labor sector that has been most affected by rising commodity prices.

For Regin P. Bediones, 37, from Cabugao, Milaor, Camarines Sur, the ₱20 rice program symbolizes the realization of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s promise from his 2022 presidential campaign.

“Dakulang tabang ining ginibo ni President Ferdinand Marcos na maitao sa mga minimum wage earners na arog ko ang P20 per kilo na bagas. Makakabawas na sa gastos, lalo na sa pambakal kakanon para sa pamilya. Sana magpadagos ini asin mas dakul pang matabangan,” Bigones said in vernacular.

(This initiative by President Ferdinand Marcos, which allows access to rice at P20 per kilo, is a tremendous help for minimum wage earners like me. It will significantly ease our expenses, especially when it comes to purchasing food for our families. I hope this program continues and reaches even more people in need.)

For Mariette Dy, an NCF Record’s Clerk, dividing her minimum wage of P395 per day among her family is not sufficient to meet their food requirements.

“Nagpapasalamat talaga ako kay PBBM, dahil sa opportunity na ito. I am also thankful for the government agencies, for every individual na naging bahagi po ng programang ito. Lalong lalo na po ang mga farmers na isa sa mga sector na hindi masyadong nabibigyan ng pansin. Kung wala po sila, wala po tayong makakain,” Cuerdo added.

NCF President Mario Villanueva thanked the President for prioritizing minimum wage earners through the administration’s “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na” initiative.

“Gusto kong pasalamatan si President Bongbong Marcos na during his campaign talagang pinangako nya yong P20 na bigas, and it is now being rolled out and we’re happy that it has become a reality.”

Employees of the NCF expressed their gratitude to President Mario Villanueva after he committed to covering the cost of rice for the program’s initial batch of recipients. Each of the 300 employees received 10 kilograms of rice, resulting in a total contribution of P60,000.

Villanueva also thanked the President, the DOLE Region 5, and the DA for selecting NCF as the latest beneficiary of the President’s P20 per kilogram rice program. (PIA Bicol)