Manila, Feb. 12 -- A total of 186 minimum wage earners from three local establishments in Masbate province availed themselves of PHP20-per-kilo rice earlier this week through the "Benteng Bigas Meron Na" program.

In a report on Thursday, DOLE-5 (Bicol Region) Director Imelda Gatinao said the program aims to mitigate the impact of rising prices on low-income workers and help employers provide them with access to affordable rice.

Through the initiative, each worker was able to purchase up to 10 kilograms of rice at their respective workplaces.

"This program is a great help for our workers, especially low-income earners who are directly affected by the rise in the price of goods. Through the support of our partner employers, we are enabli...