(File Photo)
An initiative to combat hunger is gaining momentum in Metro Manila and will soon extend nationwide.
The “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program, recently launched by the government, is not merely focused on selling basic food staples; it represents a comprehensive strategy to enhance food security.
By making essential commodities more accessible and affordable, the program aims to alleviate the financial burdens of families struggling to make ends meet.
Thanks to fiscal discipline, the government can now offer rice at a remarkably low price of PhP 20 per kilo through various KADIWA centers.
Since May 14 this year, families have been lining up at KADIWA stores located in the following places: the Department of Agriculture (DA) Central Office in Quezon City; Barangay San Antonio in Parañaque; AMVA Cooperative in Valenzuela; Bureau of Plant Industry in Manila; KADIWA Center in Malabon; PNP-SPD in Taguig; Kalentong Market in Mandaluyong; and the Public Market in Pasay.
Claire Castro, Undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Office, highlighted that this initiative aims to make basic goods accessible and stabilize market prices.
“This initiative is not just about providing affordable rice; it aligns with our commitment to protecting local farmers while ensuring that every Filipino family can access this basic necessity,” Castro said.
The centers in Valenzuela and Manila are designed to offer convenient access to quality and affordable rice. These centers connect consumers directly to farmers, promoting a sustainable supply chain that benefits producers and consumers.
While the PHP 20 rice has been well-received, Castro noted that the program” encourages traditional markets to adjust their prices accordingly.
Castro said the government hopes that the initiative to bring down rice prices will create a ripple effect and prompt rice retailers to also lower their prices without adversely affecting the source, the farmers.
As the KADIWA initiative expands, new Kadiwa centers in Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Mindoro, and Rizal are scheduled to open, bringing this lifeline closer to communities outside the capital. This nationwide rollout demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges of inflation and food scarcity.
In a time when economic conditions often feel overwhelming, programs like “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” provide struggling families with a glimmer of hope. For many Filipinos, the promise of affordable rice at KADIWA centers means more than just having a bowl of rice on the table; it symbolizes resilience, community support, and a shared determination to overcome adversity together.
The journey of a single grain of rice from the government reflects the resilience of a nation striving for stability during uncertain times.
