‘Benteng Bigas’ program to expand as subsidy drops

Filipinos can expect a more sustainable yet far-reaching Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na! program as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced a possible reduction in government subsidies—thanks to the steady improvement of local rice production.

In the latest episode of the BBM Podcast aired last week, the President said the government’s support for the flagship rice initiative is becoming more manageable as agricultural reforms begin to pay off.

“Habang ‘yung production natin gumaganda, bababa nang bababa ‘yan,” Marcos said, referring to subsidy spending for the program, which offers rice at just P20 per kilo for poor and vulnerable sectors.

He stressed that the administration has reached a turning point:” Naabot na natin ‘yung punto na masabi natin, ‘O kaya na natin ito.’ We can afford it.”

While subsidies may shrink over time, Marcos emphasized that more Filipinos would benefit from the program as it expands its coverage.

The President credited the 

positive outlook to key reforms in agriculture implemented over the past three years, including efforts to low  er farming input costs, increase the distribution of equipment to farmers, intensify the crackdown on rice smuggling and hoarding, and fast-track the issuance of land titles under agrarian reform.

“Noong bago kaming upo, wala pa lahat ‘yan. So, sa nakaraang tatlong taon, ginagawa na ngayon namin,” he said. “Ngayon, may kakayahan na tayo.”

Since launching the BBM Na program as a cornerstone of his administration, Marcos has repeatedly promised to strengthen food security, reduce rice prices, and uplift Filipino farmers—all aligned with his broader anti-poverty agenda.

With local rice production on the rise, the President’s vision of delivering affordable rice to more Filipino households appears closer to reality.