LAOAG CITY, July 23 -- The government's "Benteng Bigas Meron Na" (BBM) program continues to provide relief to vulnerable sectors in this city by easing the impact of rising household expenses through access to more affordable rice.

In time for the two-day Kadiwa ng Pangulo program in front of the Laoag City Hall from July 23-24, Engr. Sheila Marie Opelac, the city agriculturist, told the Philippine News Agency on Thursday that residents may also avail themselves of the PHP20-per-kilogram rice program to reach more vulnerable sectors.

"We have prepared at least 300 sacks of rice, 50 kilos each, to provide affordable rice to vulnerable sectors. It will be on a first-come, first-served basis," she said, noting that the expanded program now...