Thousands of residents in the Caraga Region, particularly those from vulnerable sectors, have started benefiting from the government’s “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program through the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The program was formally started on July 20 in the town of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, followed by Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, and Butuan City.

“The main beneficiaries of the program are the farmers, fisherfolk, drivers, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable sectors in communities,” said Leo Amarillo, Market Specialist I of DA-13, in an interview on Monday.

He added that so far, the local government unit of San Miguel and two cooperatives in Kitcharao and Butuan City have started the rollout of the program.

The LGU San Miguel has a total allocation of 500 bags of rice, and 100 bags each for Hifas Multipurpose Cooperative in Kitcharao and De Oro Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative in Butuan City.

“We are still processing the allocations for the five provinces in the region. As soon as these processes get the green light from the national office, the program will immediately roll out in the different towns in the region,” Amarillo said.

In a separate statement on Monday, DARBECO General Manager Evelyn Magtibay lauded the implementation of the program that provides access to residents for affordable rice.

“We are happy to serve the people through the ‘Benteng Bigas Meron Na’ program of the government,” Magtibay said, following the start of the program in their area on Thursday last week.

Adriano Benigay, a resident of Purok 4, Barangay Antongalon, Butuan City, was among those who bought rice during the opening of the program.

“This is a great opportunity for us to buy affordable rice. We are hoping for the continuity of this program that directly serves those considered as vulnerable sectors in our community,” Benigay said.

The program is an initiative of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which aims to bring affordable and quality rice to Filipinos and strengthen food security in the country. (PNA)