Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. was in Cebu today, May 1, 2025 to formally launch and rollout the P20 Benteng Bigas Meron na (PBBM), a promise fulfilled three-years ago by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., held at the Provincial Capitol Ground, which also aligned the Labor Day celebration.
Alongside with the launching was a Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP), which the Aggie Chief together with Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and other officials made a quick tour.
A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was inked between the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) and the Cebu Provincial Government, represented by Joseph Lo and Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, respectively, of which FTI will supply the needed rice of the LGUs.
The signing was witnessed by key officials of DA, to include Agriculture Secretary Laurel, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco, National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Larry Lacson and DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve V. Guevarra, among others.
The Aggie Chief and Cebu Governor led the ceremonial selling of the P20 rice, which was followed with the simultaneous selling in the various municipalities and cities of the province.
With the selling at the capitol ground, Cebuanos flocked to avail of the P20 rice.
Secretary Laurel also led the cooking of the NFA rice and the tasting of the cooked rice, after the short program inside the social hall.
A KNP was also held at Robinsons Galleria Cebu.
