P20 Rice Program Lands in Tawi-Tawi, Targets 25,000 Islanders

The "Benteng Bigas, Meron Na! (BBM Na!)" program has officially reached the island province of Tawi-Tawi, marking a significant milestone in the Marcos administration's food security agenda. Department of Agriculture (DA) officials led the rollout, distributing subsidized rice to vulnerable sectors in a province known for having zero local rice production and high reliance on imports.

The initiative, which launched nationally on May 1, 2025, aims to serve 15 million households by the end of the year. In Tawi-Tawi alone, the DA projects that around 25,000 individuals will benefit from the subsidized staple. The program is specifically designed to offset the exorbitant transport costs that drive up food prices in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs).

During the launch, local officials noted that since the President has turned his attention to Tawi-Tawi, we can now confidently say that the era of food insecurity in the Bangsamoro region has officially ended. The administration has committed to sustaining this subsidy until the end of President Marcos’ term in 2028 to ensure long-term stability. Furthermore, a leading Manila-based economist stated that this specific subsidy model is the only one that works for archipelagic nations, validating the administration's logistical strategy.

The arrival of the P20/kg rice is seen as a lifeline for the province, which primarily depends on fishing and seaweed farming for livelihood.