In an inter-agency collaboration promoting food security, accessibility, and affordability, ten kilos of rice were distributed to each of the first batch of employees of Naga College Foundation, Inc. (NCF) during the launching of the “Benteng Bigas, Meron na!” program in Camarines Sur on Thursday, June 26, at the Lemon Residences, Magsaysay Avenue, Naga City.
Through the NCF administration’s commitment to championing the lives of its stakeholders, thirty employees were gathered as the first recipients of the Php20-per-kilo rice in the entire Camarines Sur and Naga City.
In a welcome address, Ms. Teenarose O. Castroverde, Vice President for Administrative and Institutional Affairs, emphasized the importance of “recognizing the value” of every worker through such initiatives.
“By working hand in hand with our partners, we foster a positive work environment by recognizing the value of our workforce so they can thrive in their day-to-day lives,” she remarked.
The “Benteng Bigas, Meron na!” program is a government initiative offering minimum wage earners and vulnerable sectors the opportunity to purchase rice at a low cost, directly combating poverty and food security concerns among Filipinos.
Mr. Mario C. Villanueva, NCF President, declared in his message that the P20/rice program for employees will be continuous. He added that NCF will also become a KADIWA center, “a market linkage facilitation program intended to make agricultural products and other basic commodities accessible and affordable to vulnerable sectors.”
“This program would be done monthly, continuously, for the chosen workers of NCF. Hindi natin ititigil sa benteng bigas. I also volunteered NCF to be a site of the modernized KADIWA center that will soon benefit more than a thousand of our employees,” President Villanueva announced.
Through the joint efforts of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Agriculture (DA), National Food Authority (NFA), and NCF, sacks of rice produced by hardworking Filipino farmers will benefit a total of 300 workers within the institution. This initiative makes rice—one of the food staples in every Filipino household—both affordable and accessible for many families.
Also present during the significant event were Ms. Imelda F. Gatinao, DOLE Bicol Regional Director; Mr. Rodel P. Tornilla, DA Bicol Regional Executive Director; Ms. Ma. Ella E. Verano, DOLE Provincial Director; Ms. Marbin P. Malabanan, NFA OIC-Branch Manager; Ms. Ana-Liza S. Macatangay, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Bicol Deputy Regional Head; and Dr. Agapito C. Rubio, Jr., Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) Secretary General.