Over 650 residents of Carles received P3,000 financial aid and availed the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program under the SiPag at Tiyaga for MoRProGRes sa Bagong Pilipinas program, marking the town as the final local government unit in the provincewide rollout.
The aid is part of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program funded through the DSWD, with the provincial government allocating P2,022,000 for 674 beneficiaries from 15 mainland and 18 island barangays of Carles.
Meanwhile, the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program is a national initiative led by the Philippine Department of Agriculture to provide affordable, high-quality rice at PHP 20 per kilo to eligible beneficiaries.
For Niña Espinosa, a mother of six from Barangay Gabi, the aid came at a critical time. Her husband is often unable to fish due to illness and weather conditions. She used her assistance to buy 30 kilos of rice, paying only P600 under the program.
“Daku gid ini nga bulig sa amon pamilya… Tani damo pa mabuligan ang ining programa,” Espinosa said.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. said combining rice distribution with cash aid ensures families use the support for essential needs.
“Panginpuslan nyo sang husto ang mga assistance nga ginahatag sa aton. Ibakal sang bugas nga barato,” he said.
Priority beneficiaries included AICS recipients, families with malnourished children, and workers in key community sectors such as barangay health workers, nutrition scholars, day care staff, teachers, DRRM personnel, and public hospital staff. PHO’s Dr. Quinon noted that malnutrition is treated as a food security issue, which guided beneficiary selection.
Another beneficiary, Joelyn Argawanon cof Brgy Cabilao Pequeño, described the program as both relief and hope.
“Nakahatag ini indi lang bulig kundi bag-o nga paglaum para sa amon komunidad,” she said.
The Benténg Bigas Program supports both consumers and local farmers, buying palay at higher prices while selling rice at P20 per kilo. Beneficiaries are encouraged to register for QR-code-assisted purchases for faster transactions in future rollouts.
Carles Mayor Arnold Betita thanked national and provincial officials for bringing the program to their municipality.
“Ginkadtuan gid kita diri sa Carles bisan kita pinakamalayo kag dugay kadtuan,” he said.
Since the initial rollout in Ajuy on November 11, the program has already reached over 11,000 beneficiaries across Iloilo Province, providing both affordable food and financial support to families in need.
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