The ₱20/kg rice program might soon include teachers and DepEd staff starting October 15. This news has sparked excitement—and many questions. Is this really happening? Who qualifies? How much rice will be given? Here’s what you need to know.

What Is the ₱20/kg Rice Program?

The program, known as “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na (BBM Na)”, is part of the government’s effort to lower the cost of living for ordinary Filipinos. It allows qualified people to buy rice at just ₱20 per kilo, which is far cheaper than market prices.

It started by helping low-income families and farmers. Now, there are plans to expand it to the education sector—including public school teachers and staff.

Why Teachers Are Being Included

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Department of Agriculture (DA) are working to roll out the program to public school personnel. The Department of Education (DepEd) has confirmed the plan and said it is thankful for the support.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara shared in a radio interview that the program could bring real help to teachers and their families. “The families of our teachers will be overjoyed,” he said. He also praised the program, calling it a “very promising” step forward.

When Will the Program Start?

The target date is October 15, 2025, but this is still tentative. The final rollout depends on logistics, supply, and coordination between DA and DepEd.

Who Will Get the ₱20 Rice?

Not every employee will automatically qualify. The DA is preparing a list of beneficiaries, and salary grades may be used to decide who needs it the most.

Likely Prioritized Groups:

• Public school teachers with lower salary grades
• Non-teaching personnel like school clerks or janitors
• Possibly contractual or job-order staff

The full list and criteria are still being finalized.

How Will the Rice Be Given Out?

That’s another important question. DepEd said it is ready to help with the distribution process, but the actual delivery system is still being worked out.

Some possible options:

• Rice delivered to schools or DepEd offices
• Pickup from local distribution centers
• Coordinated delivery during scheduled payout periods

Proper planning is key, especially with so many schools and employees involved.

What Makes This a Big Deal?

• Teachers often face high expenses with limited income, especially in rural areas.
• Getting rice at ₱20/kg could save thousands of pesos per month for large families.
• This shows a new focus on supporting teachers, not just through salaries but also through basic needs.

Some teachers say the move is a welcome relief, especially with recent price increases in rice and other goods.

What Are the Possible Problems?

While the idea is good, there are also real challenges:

1. Supply Issues

Can the government secure enough rice to meet demand?

2. Logistics Problems

Delivering rice across thousands of schools isn’t easy. Some schools are in far-off areas.

3. Fairness and Transparency

Who decides who gets the rice? Will the poorest really be prioritized?

4. Budget Limits

Will the government have enough funds to keep this going long-term?

These are questions that DepEd and DA must answer before October.

What Do Teachers Think?

Many teachers feel hopeful but are still waiting for final confirmation. Some are already asking:

• “How much rice can we get per month?”
• “Will it be cash or actual sacks of rice?”
• “What if I don’t qualify even though my salary is low?”

Their main request: clear guidelines and a fair system.

Final Thoughts

This could be a huge win for teachers, especially those struggling with high food costs. If done right, the ₱20/kg rice program could bring real help to the education sector.

But without proper planning, fair selection, and smooth distribution, it could also lead to confusion or frustration.

Let’s wait and see what happens this October—but for now, there’s a real chance that teachers may soon get rice at just ₱20 per kilo.

FAQs: Teachers & the ₱20/kg Rice Program