BENTENG BIGAS MERON NA!’: BATCH TWO CONTINUES DELIVERS ESSENTIAL SUPPORT TO BATANGAS LABOR FORCE

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Batangas, together with Food Terminal Inc., (FTI) and National Food Authority (NFA), has rolled out the second batch of its “Benteng Bigas Meron Na!” program, extending assistance to thousands of minimum wage workers in the province.

A total of 2,830 employees received their rice bags, each obtaining 10 kilograms of premium milled rice for just ₱20 per kilogram.

   EHS Lens, Inc. staff claim their rice bags containing 10 kgs of rice each.

A total of 2,830 workers happily received rice packs under the initiative, each availing 10 kilograms of quality-milled rice at only ₱20 per kilogram.

UAM Philippines, Inc. employees line up to claim their availed  rice packs.

According to Ms. Ann Jelyn Natividad, Senior Labor and Employment Officer and program focal person, a total of 24 companies joined the second batch of the distribution. She noted that four of these firms had already taken part in the initial rollout, demonstrating their continued commitment to supporting the program and ensuring their workers benefit from the initiative.

Furthermore, she also said that the program will be introduced in future labor forums and education sessions to encourage more companies to take part in the initiative, and to provide extended support to their employees.

Employees from Kedica and Facelook happily received their 10-kg packed rice.

Launched in June 2025, the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na!” is a government initiative aimed at supporting our minimum wage workers by ensuring accessible and affordable rice for every household. 

DOLE Batangas underscores the government’s sustained commitment to enhancing worker welfare and ensuring food security across the province through the distribution of affordable rice—an essential staple for every Filipino household.#