The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office VIII (DA RFO 8) officially rolled out the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program in La Paz, Leyte, on December 12, 2025, marking another milestone in the government’s efforts to ensure affordable rice for the public.

Under the program’s implementation in La Paz, 200 sacks of rice were distributed to 1,000 beneficiaries, allowing each beneficiary to purchase 10 kilograms of rice at a subsidized price of ₱200.

Unlike earlier iterations of the Benteng Bigas Program, which were primarily confined to vulnerable sectors, this phase broadened its reach to include non-vulnerable sectors, reinforcing the program’s inclusive approach to food security.

One of the beneficiaries, Danilo Laureno Mella, 53, emphasized the tangible benefits of the initiative, saying, “Dako gud an bulig hini nga programa kay nakakaburubarato kami hin bugas, ngan dako it amon nasisave nga pwede pa namon igasto ha iba nga panginahanglan.”

(This program is highly beneficial as it allows us to purchase rice at a lower cost, resulting in significant savings that can be allocated to other essential needs.)

RTD for Operations, Director Jenny Lyn Almeria, arrived during the distribution and supervised the activity, ensuring that the process was conducted efficiently and in accordance with established guidelines.

The Benteng Bigas Meron Na program is widely regarded as a vital support mechanism amid rising living costs. Its rollout in La Paz, Leyte, underscores the DA’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to affordable rice and strengthening food security at the community level.