ZAMBOANGA CITY | June 13, 2025 — In a bid to cushion the impact of rising prices on low-income families, the Department of Labor and Employment Region 9 (DOLE 9), in coordination with the Department of Agriculture (DA 9) and the National Food Authority (NFA 9), launched the “₱20 Benteng Bigas, Meron Na for Minimum Wage Earners!” program at the Project HOPE Agricultural Cooperative (PHAC) Commissary Store in Barangay Ayala.
The initiative, a flagship project of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., aims to provide affordable, subsidized rice at ₱20 per kilo for selected minimum wage earners. The program’s pilot launch saw the distribution of rice to 1,000 workers from fishing and canning companies, who were among 3,917 pre-identified beneficiaries across Region 9.
The launch was the culmination of weeks of inter-agency collaboration following an initial coordination meeting between DOLE 9 Regional Director Albert E. Gutib and DA 9 Regional Executive Director Engr. Marcos C. Aves, Sr. on May 15 in Pagadian City. A total of 10,000 kilos of well-milled, inspected rice were delivered, allowing each beneficiary to buy up to 10 kilos at the heavily subsidized rate.
DOLE 9 OIC Assistant Regional Director Engr. Wesley D. Tan, speaking on behalf of Director Gutib, described the program as more than just a rice distribution drive. “Today, we gather not just to distribute rice, but to affirm the dignity of labor… so [our workers] can access the most essential of needs: food,” he stated.
Engr. Aves emphasized the intent to help stabilize market prices and support workers through direct subsidies. He added that partnerships with industry stakeholders such as the SOPHIL Fishing Association, which handled logistics and distribution, were vital to ensuring smooth implementation.
NFA 9 Assistant Regional Manager Jordan L. Valente confirmed that the rice distributed met quality standards and would only be sold to verified beneficiaries to safeguard fairness and program integrity.
Despite positive reception from beneficiaries like single mother Mary Jim Quintilla of Bigfish Food Corp., who hoped the program would “continue long-term,” the initiative has raised pressing questions about its sustainability and scope.
Questions on Long-Term Viability and Inclusiveness
While the program offers immediate relief to select workers in the fishing and canning sectors, observers note that its long-term sustainability remains unclear. How will the government continue to fund such subsidies in the face of ongoing inflation, logistical challenges, and global rice supply pressures?
Moreover, the exclusivity of the program to marginalized sectors, though justifiable from a targeting efficiency standpoint, invites scrutiny. With nearly every Filipino household feeling the effects of inflation and food insecurity, why are only selected groups—minimum wage earners in specific industries—being covered?
Critics argue that a more universal approach, or at least broader coverage including other vulnerable sectors such as senior citizens, solo parents, and informal workers, may be necessary to ensure equitable access to food subsidies.
A Promising Start, But More Answers Needed
As the program is set to expand to more areas within the Zamboanga Peninsula, calls for transparent metrics, a clear roadmap for scaling and financing, and greater inclusivity will likely grow louder.
While “₱20 Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” signals a strong government response to food affordability issues, stakeholders and citizens alike are left asking: How long can it last—and who else will be allowed a seat at the table?