P20 per kilo rice launched in Bacolod

The P20 per kilo rice program was officially launched here on Thursday, June 5. Hundreds of residents lined up as early as 6 a.m. to purchase the staple.

- By GLAZYL MASCULINO

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Mayor Albee Benitez led the launching at the Burgos Public Market with DA-Negros Island Region (NIR) Regional Director Jose Albert Barrogo and DA Assistant Secretary Daniel Atayde.

Louisa Belluga, 62, of Barangay 20, said the affordable rice program is a big help for her family of four.

Belluga said that they would usually consume 1.5 kilos per day, but with the program, they would be able to save as they can buy rice at a lower price.

She thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the city government for initiating the program.

Belluga was one of two persons who tasted cooked rice from the National Food Authority (NFA) during the launching.

"Namit ang bugas kag wala baho, mayo klase kag humok (It's delicious. It has no smell, and it's a good quality of rice)," she said.

Belluga bought 10 kilos of rice and vowed to buy again.