Minimum wage earners avail P20/kg. rice in Bicol

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Labor and Employment in Bicol (DOLE-5) said a total of 4,054 minimum wage earners benefited so far from the Benteng Bigas Meron Na Program of the Marcos administration since it was launched in the region on June 13.

In a press conference on Tuesday, DOLE-5 Director Imelda Gatinao said the program provides affordable food for the nation’s workforce, promoting sustainability and strengthening food security in the community.

“This is a program with a heart under the administration headed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This program is anchored on the needs of the initially targeted beneficiaries. Initially, because we still conduct assessments to determine if there is a need for its expansion,” Gatinao said.

The program targets minimum wage earners, apart from the vulnerable sector, to provide them access to high-quality rice at a subsidized rate of PHP20 per kilo.

“The initiative does not address the daily needs of our workers but also supports national objectives for food security and social equity,” she said.

Gatinao said the program strengthens the farm-to-market chain or supply, assuring farmers their produce will be purchased due to a steady market.

In Albay, 516 workers availed the PHP20 rice program; while 835 in Camarines Norte; Camarines Sur with 1,240; Catanduanes with 419 workers; Masbate with 89; and Sorsogon with 955. (PNA)