BAGO CITY: The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has made 1,000 bags of rice, priced at PHP29 per kilogram, available to qualified residents of Negros Occidental. The rice was sold at the Kadiwa ng Pangulo store located within the Negros Occidental Irrigation Management Office (IMO) in Bago City. Beneficiaries of this initiative include senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and recipients of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.
According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative is part of NIA’s efforts to establish Kadiwa ng Pangulo centers at every Irrigation Management Office (IMO) to provide more affordable rice. Jonel Borres, NIA-Western Visayas Acting Regional Manager, emphasized the agency’s focus on making lower-priced rice accessible to vulnerable populations. The rice, known as Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka (BBM) Rice, is part of the Farming Support Services Program and represents one of NIA’s pilot projects.
Borres also highlighted that the current harvest season is su
pporting NIA’s ability to distribute rice. Production areas are strategically located across Region 6, including Negros Occidental. Furthermore, plans are underway to expand the current planting area of approximately 1,200 hectares next year, with the aim of increasing rice supply and extending the program to benefit more sectors beyond the existing vulnerable groups.
Previously, from October 25 of last year to February, the Federation of Irrigators Association of Central Negros-Bago River Irrigation System (FIACN-BRIS), under the NIA-Negros Occidental IMO, implemented a similar initiative. Through the ‘Bigasan ng Bayan’ program, and in collaboration with the provincial government, FIACN-BRIS sold 14,675 kilograms of milled rice at PHP25 per kilogram to priority beneficiaries in Bacolod City, Bago City, and Pulupandan town. Priority groups included senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other indigents.