MANILA, Philippines — The government’s flagship P20-per-kilo rice initiative will soon be available in more public markets across the country, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced in his latest vlog on Sunday, assuring the public that the program is “here to stay.”

In BBM Vlog 271: Agrikultura, the President reaffirmed the sustainability of the Benteng Bigas Meron Na program, which currently offers low-cost rice to vulnerable sectors through select government outlets.

“Sa pagtutulungan ng maraming ahensya ng national government at ngayon in partnership with the local government, P20 rice is here to stay,” Marcos said.

“It is achievable, it is sustainable. Kaya abangan ninyo in your nearest public market,” he added.

The rice subsidy, currently sold to 4Ps beneficiaries, senior citizens, PWDs, solo parents, and minimum wage earners, has so far been made available in 94 locations nationwide. The latest outlet was launched last week at the Zapote-Bacoor Public Market in Cavite.

“Hindi lamang po sa Kadiwa stores may P20 rice, kundi pati na rin sa mga palengke natin,” the President said.

“Parami nang parami na ang ating mga location. At hindi lang po ito pop-up store na mawawala naman pagkatapos na masimulan. Tuloy-tuloy na po ito,” he added.

The Benteng Bigas program is part of the Marcos administration’s broader push to make food affordable and accessible, particularly for low-income Filipinos, as part of its Bagong Pilipinas vision.