Tacloban Expands P20 Rice Aid to 1,000 Residents

Posted on May 16, 2026 at 5:37 pm

TACLOBAN CITY — About 1,000 residents in this city benefited from the expanded rollout of the government’s “Benteng Bigas Meron Na!” program, which offers rice at P20 per kilo for vulnerable sectors amid rising food prices.

The initiative was led by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 8 in partnership with the city agriculture office, National Food Authority, and Food Terminal Inc. The distribution was held at the Tacloban City Sports Complex on May 14, where 200 sacks of rice were initially released to qualified beneficiaries.

City Agriculturist Romelo Anade said the local government purchased 3,000 sacks of rice to sustain the program and expand coverage to more barangays.

Beneficiaries welcomed the program, saying it helps ease their daily expenses.

Ceasar Picson, a 63-year-old beneficiary, said the P20-per-kilo rice is a big relief for their household budget, especially amid rising market prices.

Another resident from a low-income family, Letecia Batula, said the program allows them to save money that can be used for other basic needs like food and medicine.

Under the program, indigent families, senior citizens, and low-income households are allowed to purchase rice at a subsidized price as part of the government’s food assistance efforts.

Anade said the continued rollout in Tacloban barangays aims to strengthen food security and improve access to affordable rice in the city.

Photo courtesy: Tacloban City Information Office