President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is facing public backlash after the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced it would sell rice at P20 per kilogram under the “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na” program across all provinces in the Davao Region this month to assist communities affected by the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Davao Oriental on Friday.
Many residents criticized the move, saying that rice should be distributed for free in times of disaster given the severe impact of the quake that displaced families, damaged homes, and disrupted livelihoods.
Social media users and some local officials questioned the decision, saying it was insensitive to charge for essential goods during a disaster relief operation.
Several netizens took to social media to express frustration. One user, Gibson Te, sarcastically commented, “I-back to sender lang na. Kohaku ra dawaton sa among mga tiyan dri sa Sub-Saharan Mindanao.”
Another, Denna Delica Astilla, wrote, “Nitabang pamo Department of Agriculture – Philippines? Bongbong Marcos, panahon sa eleksyon merong 5k, libreng bigas at delata, pero karon nga nalindol, benentahan mo pa mi’g tig-P20/kilo.”
Ling-Ling Dy Guazo quipped, “Hilom beybeym mi. Nangratol mi dri, lami nga bugas among gusto, katong puti-on o humok nga bugas nga pwede ra parisan og bulad. Kana unta ipanghatag para mobalik among enerhiya.”
Others voiced stronger criticism, with Janice Semense saying, “Ana na si Mr. President, mo-release ug bugas if naay kalamidad pero dili ipanghatag, ipamaligya naman nuon… Asa paingon ang kwarta?”
Meanwhile, Inday Kala Chuchie exclaimed, “Kung eleksyon, daghan ug ayuda! Karun kay linog, mamaligya na! Wa mo pang-gabai diha!?” and Luzviminda Colo added, “Nabuang ba gyod sila sa P20 per kilo. Bisan naay kalamidad, kwarta gihapon ilang gihunahuna.”
Supporters of the initiative, however, defended the move, saying it was intended to make rice more accessible and affordable while maintaining supply stability amid ongoing relief efforts.
