QUEZON CITY: The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has committed to maintaining the sale of Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka (BBM) rice at PHP29 per kilogram, focusing on vulnerable groups such as those in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and solo parents. This initiative aims to ensure food security and affordability for these sectors.
According to Philippines News Agency, NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen highlighted during a briefing in Quezon City that all regions and provinces are participating in the program, with some provinces distributing rice to various municipalities to maximize reach. To date, the agency has sold 1.14 million kilograms of BBM rice, benefiting 114,300 individuals nationwide.
The initial supply of BBM rice was sourced from 55,011 metric tons of palay harvested through NIA’s contract farming. An additional 110,414 metric tons are expected from the ongoing harvest season, running from October 1 to December 30. To sustain and expand
the program, NIA plans to use an additional PHP6 billion in unprogrammed funds to support contract farming on 120,000 hectares, potentially producing 600,000 metric tons of palay.
Half of the anticipated 300,000 metric tons of palay harvest will be sold to the National Food Authority at PHP23 per kilogram, aiming to generate PHP6.9 billion in income. The remaining harvest will be allocated to the Department of Agriculture, with specific allocations to Kadiwa ng Pangulo and Rice for All programs, expected to generate PHP2.175 billion and PHP3.375 billion, respectively.
Guillen emphasized the program’s financial sustainability, noting that it aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of reducing rice prices while ensuring farmer profitability. He also expressed satisfaction with the proposed increase in NIA’s budget, which will aid in modernizing the irrigation sector. The agency is set to receive PHP42.5 billion in 2025, a slight increase from the previous year’s allocation.