Tagum city: A total of 1,000 members of the transport sector here benefited from the government’s PHP20/kg “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program on Tuesday. Led by the Department of Agriculture-Davao Region (DA-11), the launch of the program for jeepney and tricycle drivers, along with other public transport workers, represents a significant expansion of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s flagship food security initiative.
According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Rey Uy highlighted that the city has a total of 3,350 pedicab drivers, with 1,000 included in the program’s initial rollout. Uy assured that all pedicab drivers would eventually have the opportunity to benefit from the program, with the current effort marking just the first batch. Drivers are allowed to purchase up to 10 kilos of rice each.
To address concerns regarding the quality of the rice, which is sourced from the National Food Authority, Uy mentioned that he personally sampled it and found it satisfactory. He stated, “It is delicious and not smelly.”
DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra, who was present at the event, emphasized the agency’s commitment to sustaining the program to ensure continued access to affordable rice for Filipinos. Guevarra indicated that the agency is considering implementing a digital system for beneficiary registration to enhance distribution efficiency across various sectors.
Ronito Escosa, a pedicab driver from Barangay Apokon, expressed gratitude to President Marcos Jr. for fulfilling his promise of providing affordable rice. He said, “Thank you, Mr. President, for providing affordable rice to the Filipino people.”
Cesario Sevilla, another beneficiary, also expressed his appreciation for the government’s decision to select Tagum City for the program’s rollout. Both Escosa and Sevilla voiced hope that the initiative would continue to support transport workers and minimum wage earners throughout the region.