Sign in Subscribe
Food supply

Marcos Administration Focuses on Food Security and Livelihood in 20th Congress

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

President Marcos is prioritizing food security and livelihood in the upcoming 20th Congress, focusing on concrete help for the people through affordable, available, and safe food, as well as opportunities for livelihood. The legislative agenda includes bills such as the RICE bill, which aims to lower and stabilize rice prices, and other proposed laws that address the needs of rice farmers and consumers. The administration's flagship "Benteng Bigas Meron Na" program, launched by the President, provides rice at a subsidized price of P20 per kilo to poor families, with a target of reaching 15 million beneficiaries by next year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 20th Congress will focus on food security and livelihood, following President Marcos' public engagements on agricultural projects across the country.
  • The RICE bill, filed before the start of the 20th Congress, seeks to lower and stabilize rice prices through the reorganization of the National Food Authority.
  • Lawyer Princess Abante, spokesperson of the House of Representatives, emphasizes the broad political support for affordable food programs, particularly those that protect both rice farmers and the consuming public.
  • The administration's flagship "Benteng Bigas Meron Na" program, launched by the President, provides rice at a subsidized price of P20 per kilo to poor families, with a target of reaching 15 million beneficiaries by next year.
  • President Marcos has ordered the expansion of the "Benteng Bigas" program, with the Department of Agriculture launching 94 outlets and planning to establish more in key urban centers.
  • The President has also instructed the Department of Social Welfare and Development to identify areas where more members of vulnerable sectors can benefit from the program.
  • The administration is supporting the coconut processing industry, with President Marcos visiting a coconut processing facility and conferring with fishers and farmers.
  • One of President Marcos' certified projects is a large-scale coconut processing facility projected to generate 4,725 jobs and a set of breeder farms that will employ over 1,000 Filipinos.
  • The Department of Trade and Industry has fast-tracked the approval of 31 strategic projects worth P18.7 billion through the issuance of 'green lane' certifications, which are expected to generate 7,000 new jobs.

Statistics:

  • 94 outlets have been established to sell rice at the subsidized price of P20 per kilo under the "Benteng Bigas Meron Na" program.
  • The program aims to reach 15 million beneficiaries by next year.
  • 17 of the 31 strategic projects worth P18.7 billion are in the predevelopment stage.
  • 7 of the 31 strategic projects are under construction.
  • 6 of the 31 strategic projects are already operational.
  • 1 of the 31 strategic projects is in the pre-operational phase.
  • 4,725 jobs are projected to be generated by a large-scale coconut processing facility.
  • Over 1,000 Filipinos are expected to be employed by a set of breeder farms.
  • 7,000 new jobs are expected to be generated by the 31 strategic projects approved by the Department of Trade and Industry.

Sources:

  • "The President's public engagements on agricultural projects across the country"
  • Statement of lawyer Princess Abante, spokesperson of the House of Representatives
  • Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro
  • Department of Agriculture
  • Department of Social Welfare and Development
  • Department of Trade and Industry

Read more