MARAMAG, Bukidnon (March 28, 2026) — Crowds have been flocking to the National Food Authority (NFA) warehouse here, with some residents lining up overnight and even sleeping along the streets to secure access to subsidized rice under the government’s “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na” program

A video posted by a local police officer showed people arriving as early as evening, bringing ecobags and even traveling from nearby towns by motorcycle and tricycle.

Some waited up to two days just to obtain a priority number to purchase rice priced at P20 per kilo.

NFA Bukidnon spokesperson Glen De Otoy confirmed the surge in crowd numbers since earlier this week, as residents rushed to avail themselves of the program implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Food Terminal Inc. (FTI).

Under the program, eligible beneficiaries—including solo parents, farmers, fisherfolk, tricycle drivers, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities—may purchase up to 10 kilos per transaction and a maximum of 30 kilos per month.

De Otoy said a redemption center has been set up in Maramag, with around 200 sacks of rice released daily.

However, supply remains limited, with only about 2,000 bags allocated, prompting FTI to stretch distribution over 10 days.

He noted that the unusually large turnout may be driven by public concern over rising fuel prices and global tensions, which some fear could affect food supply.

Despite the long queues, NFA officials assured the public that buffer stocks remain sufficient.

The agency also continues to procure palay from local farmers at P28 to P29 per kilo.

To ease congestion, NFA Bukidnon has recommended the establishment of additional redemption centers located in Aglayan town, Malaybalay City, and Valencia City. (Mel N. Velez/INQUIRER.net)