With the program now available to all 82 provinces in the country.
Last December 11, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that it has completed the nationwide rollput of the government’s P20 rice program called Benteng Bigas, Meron na.
This, as the final launch happened in the 82nd province in the 82nd province on the list, Maguindanao del Norte.
Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra emphasized the program’s role and said: “This is about uplifting every Filipino, boosting local production, and ensuring no one — regardless of culture or religion — is left behind in our nation’s progress.”
The final launch also marked a milestone in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s flagship commitment, which was one of his promises during his campaign in the 2022 elections.
Notably, the rollout of the P20 rice in the towns of Barira, Buldon, Matanog, Sultan Kudarat, and Sultan Mastura in Maguindanao del Norte also expands access to affordable rice in geographically challenged areas.
“The fulfillment of the P20 rice project would not have been possible without the unified action and collaboration of various government agencies,” added Guevarra.
According to the Agriculture department, it has established 429 sites across the country for the P20 rice, which it touts to as one that forms a broader, more resilient distribution network for affordable staples.
In 2026, the department aims to reach a total of 15 million households, with the next phase said to be centering on sustaining supply, strengthening production, and ensuring that affordable rice continues to arrive to these distribution sites, then homes.