Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday reported the continuous expansion of its PHP20 per kg rice program under the "Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na," alongside efforts to refine the logistics framework to better serve the beneficiaries.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DA has included Siquijor province in its pilot implementation of BBM Na in the Visayas region, making the program accessible in 123 sites nationwide. These include 88 Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) Centers, kiosks, stalls in public markets, local government units, and other agencies; as well as 35 Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and private companies-accredited establishments across the country.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that the launch of the P20 program in Siquijor serves as a strategic model for the initial rollout of the program across other island provinces. He emphasized that this move will aid the DA in developing the blueprint for program expansion nationwide. At least 425 households, or around 1,700 individuals, are expected to benefit from the first phase of the BBM Na rollout in Siquijor.

Food and Terminal Inc. (FTI) president Joseph Lo also highlighted that the launch in the island province will be instrumental in refining the logistics framework as it may act as a testing ground. He added that the focus is not merely on delivering rice but also on building a better framework for its distribution, ensuring an orderly process and implementing real-time feedback systems.

Earlier, the DA announced its target to finalize the national policy on the PHP20 per kg rice program and initiate the registration of eligible beneficiaries through its smart mobile app in October. Prior to the rollout in Siquijor, the DA also launched the program in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, and other areas in the Negros Island Region (NIR).