Manila, April 20 -- Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Monday stressed that the P20 rice program under the "Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na" serves as a strategic intervention instead of a mere subsidy to vulnerable Filipinos.

To date, the PHP20 per kilo rice has reached more than 6 million beneficiaries in 82 provinces nationwide, underscoring its growing reach and impact.

The beneficiaries include senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), solo parents, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries and minimum wage earners, farmers, fishers, transport workers and education personnel.

"The P20 Rice Project is not merely a subsidy - It is a strategic intervention to stabilize prices, protect vulnerable hou...