LEGAZPI CITY, July 22 -- Beneficiaries of the "Benteng Bigas Meron Na" program in this city said on Wednesday that the PHP20-per-kilogram rice eases their financial burden and meets their expectations in terms of quality.

In an interview, Marivic Masenas, a solo parent from Purok 5, Barangay 18, Cabangan West, said the rice compares favorably with more expensive commercial varieties.

"The quality is excellent; it's practically better than first-class rice. Expensive rice tends to spoil quickly, but this rice is still good to eat the next morning," she said.

Masenas said the subsidized rice remains fresh even when left overnight after cooking, unlike some higher-priced varieties that spoil more quickly.

She added that the lower price a...