Manila, Jan. 23 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) said it expects more than 85,000 individuals to benefit from the expansion of the "Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!" (BBM Na) in Aklan province.

In a news release Friday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the expansion is aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to keep rice affordable for vulnerable sectors while maintaining fair farmgate prices for local farmers.

"This is not just about selling rice at PHP20 per kilo-it's about protecting Filipino families from high food costs while making sure our farmers are paid fairly," Tiu Laurel said.

"When consumers can buy affordable rice, and farmers have a stable market for their palay, that's when the system ...