NFA IX joins DOLE-DA for Simultaneous Launching of “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” Program; Supports Rice Accessibility for Minimum Wage Earners

In line with the government’s effort to promote food security, strengthen local rice distribution networks, and ensure affordable access to quality rice at a selling price of P20/kilo for minimum wage earners, a simultaneous conduct and pilot launching of the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na!” took place on June 13,2025 at Project Hope Agricultural Cooperative (PHAC) Commissary, Ayala in Zamboanga City.

Asst. Regional Manager Jordan L. Valente, on behalf of RM Lolita O. Sanedrin, expressed his appreciation for the inclusion of NFA in the said program as the source of accessible, affordable and good quality rice. He emphasized that availing NFA Rice is also one way of supporting our local farmers because NFA Rice directly comes from the palay that were planted, harvested by these local farmers and was procured and processed by NFA. He also assured that NFA Region IX has sufficient stocks and is always ready to cater to the rice requirements for this program.

This milestone event which was also attended by Zamboanga City Branch Office OIC-BM Joann B. Bernardo, OIC-ABM Christine O. Burlasa and staff will serve as the starting point for collaborative rollout to establish strategic rice access points for minimum wage earners in partnership with key stakeholders.

The National Food Authority - Region IX has been identified to supply the rice requirements for the implementation of DA, FTI, and DOLE’s P20 Rice Project for Minimum Wage Earners