Cebu City's cheap rice program gets going

Local

CEBU City on Monday, March 30, began rolling out its “Benteng Bigas” program.

This offers rice at ₱20 per kilo to priority sectors, with distribution scheduled across select barangays until April 1.

The city government said the subsidized rice, sourced from National Food Authority (NFA) stocks and distributed through KADIWA centers, will be made available to qualified beneficiaries, who may purchase up to 20 kilos per person, subject to supply.

Distribution in the north district is being held at Plaza Sugbo, while beneficiaries in the south district may claim their allocation at the Cebu City Sports Institute in Sawang Calero starting at 9 a.m.

Under the schedule, residents from the following barangays may avail themselves of the program:

North District (Plaza Sugbo)

March 30: Sto. Niño, San Roque, Tejero

March 31: Tinago, Day-as

April 1: Ermita, Parian

South District (Cebu City Sports Institute, Sawang Calero)

March 30: Pasil, Suba, Sawang Calero

March 31: Duljo, Pahina San Nicolas, San Nicolas Proper

April 1: Mambaling, Basak San Nicolas

Local officials said distribution remains on a first-come, first-served basis, although priority will be given to identified sectors, including senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, indigent households, farmers, fisherfolk, transport drivers, minimum wage earners, and Department of Education personnel.

Early on Monday, residents began lining up at distribution sites, signaling strong demand for the subsidized staple. At Plaza Sugbo, some beneficiaries queued as early as the morning flag ceremony.

Among them was Carmen, 67, who said the program would help ease the burden of supporting her bedridden husband.

Another resident, Angela Sanchez, showed up early with her two-month-old baby, showing how urgently families need affordable rice.

At the south district site, officials said they are targeting to distribute around 250 kilos of rice daily. Due to limited initial supply, purchases are currently capped at 10 kilos per beneficiary per month, although additional stocks are expected to arrive.

The rollout follows the Cebu City Council’s approval of a resolution authorizing Mayor Nestor Archival to enter into a memorandum of agreement with Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) to facilitate the distribution.

The measure, introduced by Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover, was passed after weeks of deliberation, during which some officials raised concerns over safeguards, equitable distribution, and implementation.

Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña earlier warned of potential risks, including spoilage and inequitable allocation, citing issues encountered in other local government units.

He also cautioned the council against possible accountability issues if safeguards are insufficient.

Archival, however, assured that proper guidelines are in place under the agreement, including verification of beneficiaries through the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) and coordination with national agencies.

He said the city will prioritize beneficiaries from the “poorest of the poor” across all barangays and ensure that rice stocks are released based on validated demand.

The “Benteng Bigas” program forms part of the national government’s broader “Walang Gutom” initiative, which aims to improve food accessibility and reduce hunger by subsidizing the cost of basic commodities.(TGP)