Manila, June 9 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday confirmed that the government's PHP20 per kg. rice under the "Benteng Bigas Meron Na" (BBM Na) initiative will launch in July in Camarines Sur province.

In an interview following a flag ceremony, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. added that other provinces in the Bicol Region are expected to gain access to the affordable rice program by early next year.

"They are slated for January 2026, but Camarines Sur is ready to implement the program. They qualified for the PHP20 rice subsidy due to last year's rice emergency when we sold rice at PHP33, along with 12 other cities and municipalities across the country," he added.

Tiu Laurel said they are currently coordinating with ...