Manila, Feb. 12 -- At least five Benteng Bigas Meron Na (BBM Na) sites are planned to be established per local government unit (LGU) in Metro Manila to make the PHP20 per kg. rice more accessible, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Thursday.

The agency plans to roll out the P20's full-scale expansion in time for the upcoming palay (unhusked rice) harvest for the dry season in March.

"Our goal is simple: bring affordable rice closer to our constituents and ensure vulnerable sectors are directly served. This expansion underscores our firm commitment to food security and to easing the financial burden on Filipino families," DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in a statement.

On Wednesday, a technical working group comp...