'Benteng Bigas' now in Bacoor

Malacañang said more Filipinos are set to benefit from cheaper rice as President Marcos led the public rollout of the "Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!" initiative at the Zapote Public Market in Bacoor, Cavite, marking a major expansion of the government's P20-rice program to public markets around the country.

- By ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

In a press briefing, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the rollout will no longer be limited to select sectors but will be available to the general public through participating public markets.

"The government wants the people to have enough food on their table," Castro said.

Initially piloted in Visayas and selected Kadiwa centers in May, the program now includes public markets like Zapote-Bacoor, where 500 sacks of rice were delivered for 2,500 residents to purchase 10 kilos each at P20 per kilo.