MANILA -- Farmers from Negros Occidental proved that local rice can be sold at Php 25 per kilogram, an initiative aligned with the aspirations of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for a more affordable staple rice for Filipinos.

Members of the Federation of Irrigators Association of Central Negros-Bago River Irrigation System (FIACN-BRIS) sold rice for Php 25 per kilogram during the opening day of the “Bigas ng Bayan” opening day at the Food Terminal Market in Bacolod City on Thursday, October 12.

The “Bigas ng Bayan” is a program spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, who also previously tapped the farmers group through the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region VI Office for its Dagyaw Project, an initiative that promotes farm-level productivity interventions.

“The combined efforts and initiatives of the FIACN-BRIS, provincial and local government units, and the NIA is a testament to the PBBM Administration’s vision of combating hunger and poverty and achieving food sufficiency and security across the country,” according to NIA Administrator Engr. Eduardo Guillen.

“NIA continues its commitment to developing efficient and sustainable irrigation systems to uplift the lives of the Filipino farmers with the aim of propelling wealth creation opportunities in the agricultural sector of the country,” Guillen said.

According to Federation President Pedro Limpangog, they allotted 10% of their total production to the Negrenses in the vulnerable sectors including senior citizens, indigents, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). Consumers can buy up to 5 kgs.

At least 455 individuals availed of the low-priced rice on the said opening day. (PND)