The Capitol’s subsidized rice program for the “poorest of the poor” will make a comeback as the National Food Authority in Central Visayas (NFA 7) is set to deliver to the Capitol an initial 5,000 bags of rice.
The program, Sugbo Merkadong Barato or SMB, is a flagship initiative of Gov. Gwen Garcia which aims to provide affordable rice to indigent individuals identified, screened, and approved by DSWD.
The agency’s assurance was given by NFA 7 OIC director Ovelito Baritua during a meeting with Gov. Gwen Garcia and the mayors of Cebu Province on Thursday, May 23, at the Capitol Social Hall.
The program’s resumption is seen as a significant step in addressing food security and stabilizing rice prices in the province. This time, SMB will follow President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s national version of the program where NFA rice is sold at P29 per kilo to beneficiaries, way lower than the prevailing market price which hovers around 50-60 pesos per kilo.
Baritua added that the agency would release additional rice supplies to the Capitol as needed, highlighting that they are also anticipating the arrival of new stock to ensure continuous rice support.
Earlier, NFA Acting Administrator Larry Del Rosario Lacson assured Gov. Gwen of the agency’s unwavering support for the Capitol’s rice-centric programs. Besides SMB, the NFA is also committed to backing other initiatives such as the Sugbo School Feeding Program and Bugasan sa Kababayen-an sa Barangay.
Gov. Gwen expressed her gratitude for the NFA’s support, emphasizing the importance of these programs in alleviating hunger and supporting local communities. The collaboration with NFA is crucial for the success of Capitol’s programs aimed at ensuring food security and providing affordable rice to the Cebuanos.
The Provincial Government’s partnership with the NFA reflects a broader commitment to addressing food security challenges and supporting the welfare of the residents of Cebu. With the anticipated steady supply of rice from the NFA, SMB program is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of many Cebuanos. | Carlo Lorenciana