Manila, Sept. 16 -- More than 57,000 jeepney and tricycle drivers nationwide are expected to benefit from the government's PHP20-per-kilogram rice program, as it expanded the "Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na" to cover the transport sector, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Tuesday.

The initiative is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to make affordable rice accessible to more Filipinos.

In an ambush interview, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the transport sector, which he described as one of the "backbones" of the country, must be prioritized for government support.

"Napakahalaga na 'yung transport workers natin mabigyan dahil they are organized, nasa listahan sila, marami sila (The transpo...