Masbate: Residents of provinces impacted by recent storms will soon benefit from more affordable rice, as the Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced plans to implement a program selling rice at PHP20 per kilogram in Masbate and Eastern Samar. This initiative is part of the ‘Benteng Bigas Meron Na’ (BBM Na) program.

According to Philippines News Agency, the decision follows the significant agricultural damage caused by Severe Tropical Storm Opong, known internationally as Bualoi. The storm resulted in estimated losses of PHP1.95 billion, adding to the devastation already wrought by Tropical Depression Mirasol and Super Typhoon Nando, internationally known as Ragasa, as reported by the DA-Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Operations Center.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated in an ambush interview that the program will be available for one month in the affected areas of Masbate and Eastern Samar. The initiative aims to provide immediate relief and support to the residents as they recover from the impact of the storm. Each household will have the opportunity to purchase up to 30 kg of rice during this period.

In addition to the rice initiative, a price freeze will be enforced on other agricultural products to ensure affordability in the affected regions. Laurel emphasized that the price freeze applies only to products under the DA’s jurisdiction, as outlined in the memos issued for Eastern Samar and Masbate.