TACLOBAN CITY, Dec. 8 -- The Northern Samar provincial government launched on Monday the "Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!" program, providing affordable rice to low-income families in the province.

The program, launched at the Capitol Gym in Catarman town, allowed each household to purchase up to 10 kilograms of rice at a subsidized price of PHP20/kilo.

"The provincial government encourages the public to participate and take advantage of this program. A total of 400 sacks of rice [are] available, and distribution will follow a first-come, first-served policy," the provincial government said.

The program is a partnership between the Department of Agriculture and the provincial government through the local agriculture office.

The national gove...