Masbate: Residents of Masbate province have started to avail of the PHP20/kg rice program under the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” (BBM Na) initiative after it was launched by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to assist families affected by Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi).

According to Philippines News Agency, Engr. Sheryl Almario, the provincial agriculturist of Masbate, reported that at least 200 residents purchased 10 kilos each of the PHP 20 per kg. rice during a half-day selling period. “Many people have lined up to avail themselves of our PHP 20 rice. Everyone can participate as long as they bring an identification card (I.D.) for documentation purposes and the necessary payment. So far, we’ve sold 200 kilos, and more will be available tomorrow,” she said.

Almario added that the provincial agriculture office has 300 sacks of rice, each weighing 50 kg, from the National Food Authority (NFA), ready for repacking. “We have 300 bags of rice here at the provincial agriculture office, and I know there are an additional 1,000 bags coming from Sorsogon and other sources through the National Food Authority,” she added.

Meanwhile, the DA Bicol continues to monitor prices in Masbate, which is currently under a state of calamity due to Opong. DA Bicol Regional Executive Director Rodel Tornilla also dispatched assistance to DA employees in Masbate on Sept. 28 in response to the opening of travel to the province.

Additionally, the DA-Bicol Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division has coordinated with Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) in Albay, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon to facilitate sustainable Kadiwa selling in Masbate.