Iza Aldana
Jan 14, 2026
DA ramps up Benteng Bigas as Marcos gov’t takes on soaring prices, vows relief for millions
The government is set to unleash the next phase of the ₱20 rice program next week, intensifying the administration’s campaign to rein in food prices while directly supporting Filipino farmers.
The expanded rollout of Benteng Bigas, Meron Na! comes under the directive of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with the Department of Agriculture confirming that the program will officially kick off in Lingayen.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the initiative aims to reach as many as 15 million families nationwide by the end of 2026, delivering affordable rice to vulnerable sectors while opening up storage space at the National Food Authority to allow higher palay procurement at better prices for farmers.
The DA said the program will rapidly expand to Nueva Ecija, Isabela, Mindoro, Palawan, Bohol, and the cities of Zamboanga and Davao, backed by an estimated ₱14 billion budget for 2026 and adequate NFA rice stocks for initial distribution.
At the same time, the DA sounded the alarm on rising imported rice prices amid higher tariffs and a weak peso—factors that could push the suggested retail price of imported rice up to ₱45 per kilo, underscoring the urgency of strengthening local rice production and government-led distribution. For News Video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DeGSoiRoa/