“Sa pamamagitan ng pagtutulungan ng Pambansang Pamahalaan, Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Pangasinan, at ng ating mga magsasaka, naniniwala tayo na ang mga programa tulad ng “Benteng Bigas Meron na!” ay patuloy na magbibigay tulong at ginhawa sa mamamayan na naglalayong magtaguyod ng seguridad sa pagkain, pag-angat ng kabuhayaan ng magsasaka, at kaunlaran para sa lahat ng Pangasinense,” stated Gov. Ramon V. Guico III during the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing for the provincial launch of “Benteng Bigas, Meron na!” project on January 13.
The program — spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture (DA), along with Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) and the National Food Authority (NFA) aims to provide affordable and sufficient rice for all Filipinos. Under this initiative, rice is made available at P20 per kilo, targeting the low-income households and vulnerable groups.
Beyond providing price relief for consumers, the project also ensures fair trade for farmers. For every kilogram of Benteng Bigas, the NFA commits to purchasing two kilograms of palay from local farmers.
Gov. Guico further stated that this program, integrated with the Kadiwa ed Kapitolyo, is partnered with other agricultural initiatives in the province, such as Corporate Farming. This initiative uses a convergence approach by uniting farmers into cooperatives, providing farming inputs and machinery, and giving technical assistance to increase crop yields and lower production costs. This guarantees long-term assistance for all Pangasinenses.
For a construction worker like Damon Sarmiento, 64, a resident of Binmaley, the program is a big help. “Balbaleg so tulong ‘to ‘yan programa ta akamenos ka lay balbaleg [ed gastos],” (This program is a big help because you can really save a lot on expenses), he shared.
Under the leadership of Gov. Guico, the provincial government remains committed to providing people-centered governance. PGP is balancing immediate relief with long-term sustainability by addressing present challenges and building a food-secure future for every Pangasinense.
(Eira Gorospe, photo by Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)
