BBM Now Means ‘Benteng Bigas Meron Na,’ Says Cebu Gov. Garcia at 2025 Cebu Rally
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MAY 05 2025
DUMANHUG, CEBU — The nickname BBM just got a fresh new meaning. For Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, it now stands for “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” (₱20 rice is now available).
The announcement came during the One Cebu rally in Dumanhug, which was attended by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. himself.
“BBM—Benteng Bigas Meron Na! Ta, benteng bugas, mamalit na ta,” Garcia told the crowd. (₱20 rice is here—let’s go buy it!)
BBM P20 Rice: From Campaign Promise to Reality
The P20 per kilo rice was one of Marcos’ boldest campaign promises in the 2022 national elections, aimed at making basic commodities more affordable for Filipinos. Now in 2025, that promise is partially fulfilled, starting in the Visayas region, thanks to subsidies released by the Department of Agriculture under Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
Cebu was chosen as one of the pilot areas to roll out the affordable rice initiative under the government’s “Benteng Bigas Program,” which aims to address food security, support farmers, and reduce hunger.
But not everyone sees it the same way.
Political Timing or Fulfilling a Promise?
Vice President Sara Duterte, Marcos’ former running-mate, claimed the timing of the program rollout was politically driven. According to Duterte, the initiative was rushed in response to Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas’ poor survey performance in the Visayas.
However, Gov. Garcia pushed back, saying Cebuanos deeply appreciate that President Marcos kept his word, regardless of politics.
“Mr. President, these are the voices of real people—not trolls, not bots. These are the Dumanhuganon, the Sugbuanon. We continue to respect you, especially now that we truly have benteng bigas per kilo,” she emphasized, drawing cheers from the crowd.
BBM-Cebu’s Support for Alyansa Slate
During her speech, Gov. Garcia threw full support behind the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidates, urging the Cebuanos to rally behind:
- Benhur Abalos
- Abby Binay
- Ping Lacson
- Manny Pacquiao
- Bong Revilla
- Tito Sotto
- Lito Lapid
- Francis Tolentino
- Pia Cayetano
- Erwin Tulfo (despite past tensions)
“We are for unity, we are for progress. We are One Cebu, and we stand solid behind the duly-elected President who keeps his promises,” Garcia said.
She also took a swipe at the spread of fake news and AI-generated misinformation, asserting that local leaders must stand as pillars of truth and guidance—especially in confusing times.
“This governor will remain steadfast, and so will the leadership of this island. We will always provide direction in times of uncertainty,” Garcia added.
Marcos: Cebu Is Model of Unity and Growth
President Marcos, in turn, thanked Cebuano voters for their unwavering support. He praised Cebu’s unity and growth as a model that the entire nation could learn from.
“Cebu remains an inspiration for our platform of unity,” he said. “We’ve seen how collaboration and community effort can drive real progress.”
Last Stretch Before the 2025 Elections
The rally in Cebu is one of the last campaign stops for Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas. Earlier this week, the team visited Quezon province and Batangas—two important areas in southern Luzon.
As the election draws near, the message from Cebu is clear: BBM now stands for Benteng Bigas Meron Na—a promise made, and now delivered.
RELATED STORY: Suspended Nationwide: P20 Rice Program Halted Except in Cebu
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