FLORA, Apayao – Through the launching of the Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka (BBM) RICE program, marginalized sectors in this town benefitted from the PhP29/kilogram of rice and affordable vegetables sold.
The launching happened on October 15, 2024 and was held at National Irrigation Administration-Apayao Irrigation Management Office (NIA-AIMO) Grounds at Brgy. Poblacion East.
The BBM RICE program aims to provide affordable rice to marginalized groups in support to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to ensure food sufficiency for all Filipinos. senior citizens, persons with disabilities, 4Ps beneficiaries, and solo parents are prioritized to avail up to 10-kilogram of rice each upon showing their identification cards.
The NIA-Apayao AIMO said that the rice was supplied by the irrigators associations (IAs) that participated in the Rice Contract Farming program initiated by Engr. Eddie Guillen, NIA Administrator.
Additionally, Kadiwa ng Pangulo sa NIA stalls offered a variety of vegetables, like ampalaya leaves at PhP30 per bundle, eggplant at PhP75 per kilo, ampalaya (big) at PhP80 per kilo, ampalaya (small) at PhP80 per kilo, string beans (sitaw) at PhP15 per bundle, okra at PhP80 per kilo, kabatiti (luffa or Chinese gourd) at PhP70 per kilo, petchay at PhP20 per bundle, and squash at PhP40 per piece.
“Agyamannak ta adda iti program nga kastoy nga nalaka nga bagas aglalo ket adda iti pagbasbasaek nga studyante ket saan nga sapat ti maaw-awat ko kas senior ta maiyut-utang ko pay nu dadduma para ken diay pagbasbasaek,” said 81-year-old Norma Feliciano.
“Kas maysa a miyembro iti 4Ps ket dakkel nga katulungan mi daytoy, ta nu dadduma ket idiay lang met maala mi iti 4Ps ti as-asahan mi nu dadduma. Nagdakkel nga katulungan kanyami nga marigrigat daytoy ken sapay kuma ket agtuloy-tuloy daytoy nga programa ni President BBM para kada kami nga marigrigat,” said 41-year-old Jeona Ann Pajel.
Vice Governor Remy N. Albano, President of National Confederation of Irrigators’ Association, meantime assured the people of Flora on the continuity of the program, saying “haan kayo madanagan ta babaen ti pinagtitinnulong tayo agtuloy-tuloy daytoy nga programa.”
Albano also emphasized the importance of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program in providing food security and empowering farmers. “We want to ensure that everyone has access to affordable and nutritious food,” he said. “By supporting our local farmers we are also strengthening our agricultural sector,” he added.
On behalf of Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr., Verlimae Baldovino, Chief of Staff of the Governor’s Office, highlighted the program’s significance in empowering both farmers and consumers.
The PhP29/kl rice, according to Engr. Samuel C. Bahiwag, Acting Division Manager of NIA-AIMO, had been available until October 16, 2024 at their office. By Krizza Joy Castillo
