Beneficiaries from the vulnerable sector expressed their gratitude to and appealed for the sustained implementation of the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program, which, according to them, provides relief amidst hard times, during its official launch at Pope Francis Village, Tacloban City, on August 20, 2025.

Samuel Macalla, a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiary, shared that his family consumes around 15 kilos of rice weekly. Through the program, he said they could significantly reduce their expenses and allocate savings to other basic needs.

“An akon la masisiring dapat mapermanente na para makatirok-tirok” (What I can say is that this program should be sustained for us to save money), Macalla added.

In another interview, Melissa Arnoco Labrador, also a beneficiary of 4Ps, stated that they consume 1 and a half kilos per day of rice worth 45 per kilo. With the program, their household will be able to save more than half of their usual rice expense.

Meanwhile, Melita Jacino, a mother of a child with a disability, when asked about her opinion on the program, emphasized that “Malaking tulong ito para sa amin dahil mahirap ang buhay. Naghahanap [kami] ng murang bilihin.” [This is a big help for us because life is hard. We are looking for affordable goods.

According to Mr. Francisco Rosaroso, DA RFO8 AMAD Chief, there are 400 bags of rice with 50 kilos each available for distribution, which can cover 2,000 beneficiaries.
The roll-out targets vulnerable sectors, including 4PS, solo parents, PWD, and senior citizens. According to Romelo T. Anade, City Agriculturist, the city government is preparing to stretch the program even to non-vulnerable sectors.

Beneficiaries lined up to receive the allocated rice, presenting identification cards to confirm eligibility.