DA taps MMDA to assist in P20/kg rice rollout in NCR

Breaking Down Barriers DA and MMDA Team Up to Bring Affordable Rice to Metro Manila

The National Capital Region (NCR) continues to grapple with the pressing issue of food insecurity. In a groundbreaking move, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has partnered with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to expand the government's P20-per-kilogram rice program across the region, bringing affordable rice closer to vulnerable sectors.

The Benteng Bigas Meron Na! Program A Step Towards Food Security

Launched as part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s electoral campaign promise, the Benteng Bigas Meron Na (BBM Na!) program aims to reduce the price of rice for marginalized groups. By the end of this year, the program hopes to reach 15 million households or 60 million individuals across the NCR.

A Shared Commitment

To accelerate and streamline the program's expanded rollout, a technical working group will meet with representatives from Metro Manila's local government units (LGUs). Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasizes that our goal is simple bring affordable rice closer to our constituents and ensure vulnerable sectors are directly served. MMDA chairman Romando Artes echoes this sentiment, pledging logistical and monitoring support to ensure the program's success.

Optimizing Supply Chains

The program will not only provide affordable rice but also optimize storage space in National Food Authority (NFA) warehouses. With more palay entering the market since March, the DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS) plans a full-scale expansion by the end of March.

Prioritizing Vulnerable Groups

The program prioritizes senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, minimum wage earners, members of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODAs), farmers, and fisherfolk. By targeting these groups, the program aims to alleviate food insecurity and promote social equity.

The Tonner Bag System A Game-Changer

NFA administrator Larry Lacson has announced that the tonner bag system will be used in all NFA outlets nationwide. This innovative system uses one-ton capacity bags for storing rice stocks, maximizing space in warehouses while minimizing labor costs.

Key Takeaways

The tonner bag system can save up to 30% of warehouse space, reducing the need for physical expansion.
Airtight containers within the tonner bags protect grain quality against moisture, heat, insects, and rodents.
The gantry system will streamline manual labor, freeing up staff for more strategic tasks.

Funding the Initiative

The National Food Authority (NFA) will procure a gantry system for its first three branches where the tonner bag system was implemented. Funding for initiatives will come from NFA rice auctions and sales from other government agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Conclusion

As we work towards addressing the endemic issue of food insecurity, it is crucial that we collaborate to ensure national food security. By partnering with the MMDA, the DA is committed to bringing affordable rice closer to vulnerable sectors across the NCR. Let us continue to break down barriers and build a more equitable society.

Call-to-Action*

Join us in advocating for sustainable food systems and promoting social equity. Share your thoughts on how we can work together to address food insecurity and bring affordable rice to marginalized communities.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.