The National Food Authority in Central Visayas (NFA 7) has requested the Cebu Provincial Government to manage the agency’s new initiative “Program 29”, or what other news outlets called “Bigas 29”.
The program aims to sell NFA rice buffer stocks at P29 per kilo to those who belong to the vulnerable sector such as persons with disabilities, solo parents, senior citizens, and indigenous people.
NFA 7 OIC regional manager Ovelito Baritua made this request during his visit to Gov. Gwen Garcia at the Capitol on August 12. He was accompanied by NFA 7 OIC- branch manager Khristine Vincoy and NFA 7 acting regional economist Haiza Klaudine Intano.
Gov. Gwen responded in the affirmative, expressing willingness to help the agency as long as it can sustain the program for the long run.
“Diri sa Cebu, it was agreed nga ang Province maoy mo-handle, mo-take care sa programa,” Baritua told 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐛𝐨 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬.
If realized, Program 29 will be integrated into the Capitol’s existing QR-coded card system to ensure a smoother and more efficient operations.
The Capitol has existing programs that make use of the NFA’s buffer stocks, such as Sugbo Merkadong Barato, which fulfills President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision of selling NFA rice at P25 per kilo; Bugasan sa Kababayen-an sa Barangay which sells rice at P27 per kilo through the women’s group in the barangay; Sugbo School Feeding program which provides one free meal a day to all students of DepEd all over Cebu Province, from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
Baritua gave the assurance that despite Cebu not being a top producer of rice, the NFA would coordinate with rice-producing regions to ensure a steady supply for the program here. He also voiced support for the Capitol’s rice-related initiatives and promised that he would lobby for Cebu’s allocation, since the Capitol programs have somehow aligned with the agency’s vision.
“Sakop man na siya sa atong mga program, kaning mga programa ni Gov., part nana sila sa atong distribution program, nasulod nana siya,” Baritua added.
