MANILA, Sept. 12 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday announced that all Filipinos may buy rice at PHP20 per kg. for one day under the "Handog ng Pangulo" program on Saturday, coinciding with the 68th birthday of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The cheaper rice program will be accessible in 100 select Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) sites and accredited stores. These sites will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said even Filipinos who are not part of the vulnerable sector may benefit from the special birthday edition of the "Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na."

"On Saturday, the P20 per kilo rice will be available to everyone in select KADIWA sites in a number of cities and prov...