Bacolod Launches PHP20 Rice Program to Public Praise

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Amid sweltering heat and long queues, many residents lined up as early as 6 a.m. to join the initial distribution of the PHP20-per-kilo rice program in the city.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez officially launched the program Thursday at the Burgos Public Market, joined by DA–Negros Island Region Director Jose Albert Barrogo and DA Assistant Secretary Daniel Atayde.

For 62-year-old Louisa Belluga of Barangay 20, the program is a lifeline.

She said her household of four consumes 1.5 kilos of rice daily, and the subsidized price will help stretch their budget.

Representing the senior citizens sector, Belluga expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the city government.

She was among two residents invited to taste the cooked rice from the National Food Authority during the ceremonial launch.

“Namit ang bugas kag wala baho, maayo klase kag humok,” she said in Hiligaynon, praising the rice for being delicious, odor-free and soft.

She purchased 10 kilos at the launch and said she plans to buy more when her supply runs out.

Evelyn Antrone, 67, of Barangay Vista Alegre, said she hopes the program continues, as it greatly benefits her household of eight.

She was surprised by the rice’s quality, considering its low price.

For tricycle driver Francis Tolentino, 59, of Barangay 26, the program allows him to redirect part of his earnings to his children’s school expenses.

His family consumes 21 kilos of rice weekly, and he appreciates the affordability of NFA rice, provided it remains high quality.

Laurel assured residents that the rice is fit for human consumption and of good quality.

“Hindi ito panghayop. Pantao ito. Dekalidad at hindi tayo mapapahiya,” he said, adding that many have already tasted it—no bugs, no smell, clean and delicious.

He said the city government partnership will continue until December, with local officials managing distribution strategies.

While the initial rollout prioritized senior citizens and persons with disabilities, the program is open to all residents, he added.

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, a national PHP20-per-kilo rice program will launch, targeting 15 million households and running through June 30, 2028.

Each household is expected to receive about 10 kilos of rice weekly.

Benitez said the city will procure additional rice based on NFA supply to expand access.

For the initial rollout, the city allocated PHP7.9 million to purchase 5,880 bags of NFA rice, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis among priority groups.

Simultaneous launches were held at the Central and Libertad Public Markets.

Brenda Burdeos, Project Development Officer IV of the City Cooperative and Livelihood Development Office, said the city will expand distribution to all 61 barangays after the market launch.

She said 70 sacks will be delivered to each named barangay and 50 sacks to each numbered barangay, while supplies last.

Burdeos added that 1,000 purchase slips were issued during the initial rollout.

The rice for the program was sourced from local producers in Bago City and the towns of San Enrique and Valladolid, and processed in NFA-accredited mills in Negros Occidental.