Cebu Province and NFA 7 Partner to Launch Subsidized Rice Initiative
The Cebu Provincial Government, in collaboration with the National Food Authority (NFA) 7, is set to implement a subsidized rice program on April 15, 2026. This initiative, titled "Benteng Bigas Meron Na!", will offer rice at a reduced price of P20 per kilo, aiming to alleviate the burden of escalating food costs driven by fuel price increases.
Targeting Vulnerable Communities
Provincial agriculture and livelihood consultant Gigi Sanchez announced via a Facebook post on March 26 that the program is specifically designed for vulnerable sectors. These include indigent households, senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), solo parents, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, and transport workers such as jeepney and tricycle drivers. The Provincial Government is coordinating with NFA 7 to secure 20,000 bags of rice to support this effort, as requested by Governor Pam Baricuatro.
Program Guidelines and Eligibility
Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces outlined the purchasing limits and eligibility criteria for beneficiaries:
- Qualified beneficiaries may buy up to 30 kilos of rice per month, with a maximum of 10 kilos per transaction.
- Rice farmers are allowed up to 50 kilos monthly, while fisherfolk are limited to 10 kilos per month.
- Eligible individuals must present sector-specific identification, such as senior citizen IDs from the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs, PWD IDs from the Persons with Disability Affairs Office or Department of Social Welfare and Development, and 4Ps beneficiary certification.
- Transport workers must provide identification issued or endorsed by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board 7 or local government units (LGUs).
Empaces emphasized that the program will continue based on rice availability and is part of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Distinction from Previous Initiatives
This new program marks its first rollout under Governor Baricuatro's administration and is distinct from the previous Sugbo Merkado Barato (SMB) program initiated by then governor Gwendolyn Garcia. The SMB program, which also sold rice at P20 per kilo starting in November 2023, underwent review in August 2025 after 397 sacks of rice were found unused in a Mandaue City warehouse, prompting assessments of program efficiency and rice quality. Unlike SMB, which sourced rice partly from NFA and targeted indigent families through DSWD and LGU distribution, the current initiative involves a partnership with Food Terminal Inc. and focuses on broader vulnerable groups.
Enhanced Coordination and Future Plans
NFA 7 has stated that it maintains an adequate buffer stock for food security and disaster response while supporting this program. Discussions have included expanding distribution channels, improving coordination with LGUs, and developing mechanisms to ensure assistance reaches those most in need. This collaborative approach aims to address rising food prices effectively and provide sustained support to Cebu's vulnerable populations.
