Minimum-wage workers in Bicol can now buy P20/kilo rice

By Keren Anne Bernadas

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has identified a total of 17,463 minimum-wage workers in the Bicol region who are eligible to purchase rice at a subsidized price of P20 per kilogram under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s rice program.

DOLE Regional Director Imelda Gatinao said that this initiative is made possible through an agreement among the Chamber of Commerce, the Industry Tripartite Council, Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI), and the National Food Authority (NFA).

Partner-businesses have committed to ensuring the subsidized price for eligible workers, she said.

Under this program, each minimum wage worker can access 10 kilograms of rice per month.

“The engagement will continue as long as employers are willing to support it,” she said.

“We encourage businesses that are not yet included in our list to visit our office. We will provide the necessary documents to establish a partnership with FTI and the NFA, who will handle the distribution of the rice,” Gatinao said.

The ceremonial launch of the P20 rice project will take place today, June 13, at 2 p.m. at the LCC Mall Legazpi Activity Center.

Gatinao said that LCC Mall Legazpi is the first establishment in Bicol to pledge its participation in the program, which aims to provide subsidized rice to at least 500 mall workers.

The P20-per-kilogram rice for minimum-wage earners is sold in Kadiwa stores in selected areas and through participating business establishments.

Gatinao said that the program, called “Benteng Bigas Meron Na,” is a major initiative under the Marcos administration’s bold and compassionate agenda.

She emphasized that it not only meets the daily needs of workers but also contributes to the national goals of food security and social equity. (PIA Bicol)