THE government’s nationwide flagship P20-per-kilogram rice initiative, officially known as the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na! (BBM Na!)“ program, has reached Tawi-Tawi, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday.
Residents of Tawi-Tawi — an island province in the southwestern tip of the country in the Sulu archipelago — mostly depend on fish and seaweed cultivation for livelihood. The province has no local rice production and relies on shipments of the staple from other regions.
Agriculture Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra presided over the rice program’s rollout at a gymnasium in the provincial capital Bonga.
“Although the islands are isolated and far from the center of trade, President Marcos’ directive is clear that no province will be forgotten and no Filipino will be left behind,“ Guevarra said. “Tawi-Tawi is an integral part of our goal to ensure sufficient, affordable, and quality rice for every Filipino family.“
The program, Marcos’ campaign promise to make rice affordable to disadvantaged and vulnerable sectors, was launched on May 1, 2025. It aims to cover 15 million households or 60 million individuals by this yearend.
Marcos had ordered the DA to sustain it until his term ends in 2028.
It is more than a subsidy program, Guevarra said, pointing out that it helps offset high food and transport costs in island provinces.
Tawi-Tawi Gov. Yshmael Sali welcomed the program’s expanded rollout.
“The provincial government of Tawi-Tawi fully commits to support the Benteng Bigas program. This is a great help, especially to families who need affordable rice,“ Sali said.
Since Jan. 13, Tawi-Tawi is the fifth to avail of the program’s provincial rollouts. Some 25,000 individuals — including those from low-income households, fisherfolk, seaweed farmers, and other vulnerable sectors — are expected to benefit from the program, said the DA.
