The Cebu City Government has suspended its P20-per-kilo “Benteng Bigas” program shortly after launch to verify available rice supply, as demand surged on the first day of distribution.
Mayor Nestor Archival ordered the temporary halt on April 20, saying the city needs to conduct “a thorough inventory assessment of current stock at the NFA and FTI warehouses.”
He also directed the public to disregard earlier distribution schedules while verification is ongoing.
City Hall did not set a timeline for resumption but said new schedules will be announced once stock levels are confirmed.
Authorities also warned that no house-to-house distribution has been authorized and urged residents to rely only on official announcements.
When the program resumes, distribution will continue on a first come, first served basis, with at least 200 beneficiaries accommodated per day.
The pause came hours after the city began rolling out the subsidized rice program, which offers rice at P20 per kilo to priority sectors through designated sites.
Under the initial setup, beneficiaries in the north district were assigned to claim rice at Plaza Sugbo, while those in the south district were directed to the Cebu City Sports Institute in Sawang Calero. Individuals were allowed to purchase up to 20 kilos, although initial distribution limited purchases to 10 kilos per month due to supply constraints.
The program targets senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, indigent households, farmers, fisherfolk, transport drivers, minimum wage earners, and Department of Education personnel.
Long queues formed early on the first day, reflecting strong demand for subsidized rice amid rising food costs.
The initiative is backed by a Cebu City Council resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into a memorandum of agreement with Food Terminal Inc. for procurement and distribution, with stocks sourced from the National Food Authority and released through KADIWA centers.
Officials earlier raised concerns over supply safeguards and equitable distribution, including risks of spoilage and uneven allocation, prompting calls for tighter controls.
Archival said validation systems are in place, including coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Services, to ensure the assistance reaches intended beneficiaries.
The “Benteng Bigas” program forms part of the national government’s “Walang Gutom” initiative, which aims to expand access to affordable food for low income households. (LLP)
Image courtesy of Cebu City News
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