In a move to ease the burden on the rising living costs of the minimum wage earners, the Department of Labor and Employment-Central Visayas (DOLE7), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA7), launched the Benteng Bigas: Meron Na (P20 rice) program today, June 13, 2025, at the Matluster Corporation, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
The P20 rice program will directly benefit some 150 minimum-wage employees of the said company.
The program is a fulfilled promise of President Ferdinand “Bongbong’ Marcos’ administration to make affordable rice accessible to all Filipinos, particularly those in vulnerable sectors, making it possible through the linkage between the Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI) and the national government agencies involved.
In his message, DOLE 7 Regional Director Atty. Roy Buenafe expressed his gratitude to the Matluster Corporation and highlighted their agency’s thrust in uplifting the lives of all employees both in the public and private sectors.
“Makahatag mi og tukma nga tabang, ngadto sa atong mga minimum wage earners, even if dili kini minimum wage earners, dako na kaayo nig tabang sa inyong sweldo, dako namo og masave tungod aning Benteng Bugas, Miabot Na, aron magamit sa laing galastuan sa balay,” he added.
(We can provide accurate assistance to our minimum wage earners, and even if they are not minimum wage earners, this is a great help in your finances. You can save a lot because of this Benteng Bugas, Miabot Na and be able to purchase other household necessities.)
In addition, the DA7 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Engr. Cirilo N. Namoc, reiterated the programs, plans, and activities of the agency in support of the P20 rice program under the Marcos administration.
“Atong tabangan atong mga farmers, aron makaproduce silag maayo nga kalidad sa humay, mutaas ilang kita, og mao kini ang paliton ni NFA, i-linked ni FTI, aron matagamtaman ninyong mga minimum wage earners,” he said.
(Let’s help our farmers so they can produce high-quality rice, increase their income, so that the NFA will buy their produce then linked with FTI, in order for you, our minimum wage earners can enjoy it.)
During the launch, employees expressed their gratitude for the program, highlighting the significant savings it would provide for their families.
“Dako kaayo kog pasalamat og kalipay kay miabot ning P20 kilo sa bugas, dako-dako nako og ma-save gyud isip usa ka single mom ug isa ka minimum wage earner labi na gasuporta pud ko sa akong ginikanan, hinaot magpadayon ning programa sa gobyerno kay dako kaayo nig ikatabang dili lang para kanako, kundi para pud sa ubang mga minimum wage earners,” said Lorina Malolot, an employee of Matluster Corporation.
(I am very grateful and happy that we can avail this P20/kilo rice. As a single mom and minimum wage earner, it can help me save a lot from my salary, especially I’m also the one who supported my parents. I hope the government will continue this program because it is a great help not only for me but also for other minimum wage earners.)
The national P20 rice initiative seeks to provide subsidized rice to low-income families, addressing food security and mitigating the impact of inflation.
