Report Philippines to Launch ₱20 Rice Program Pilot in Visayas

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President Marcos's campaign promise of delivering rice at ₱20 per kilo is set to take shape with a planned trial in the Visayas region, as announced by Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel. During a press briefing in Cebu City, following a meeting with the President and 12 governors, Laurel outlined the initiative's rollout.

 

The ₱20 program, initially conceived as a short-term solution lasting until February, will see the DA overseeing rice sales at the reduced price. President Marcos has directed for this initiative to be sustainable, potentially extending until 2028.

 

Local Government Units (LGUs), in collaboration with the DA and Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), will manage the program’s pilot, which might begin next week. To bridge the current market price gap—approximately ₱32 to ₱33 per kilo—the FTI and LGUs will equally share the cost difference of ₱13 to achieve the ₱20 target.

 

 

 

Visayas was chosen for the pilot due to its significant rice stockpile in Iloilo and the pressing need among local populations. While Visayas will serve as the starting point, the intention is to expand the program nationwide after addressing logistical challenges.

 

Purchases of ₱20 rice will be limited to 10 kilos per week per household to manage distribution. Laurel, who succeeded Marcos as DA Secretary in November 2023, emphasized that achieving this price point was the administration's goal, despite initial criticism over delays since the election campaign.

 

He noted that recent reductions in global rice prices and the necessity to clear National Food Authority (NFA) warehouses, holding approximately 358,000 tons, facilitate the implementation of this initiative. The program's success could fulfill the campaign's bold promise and significantly aid Philippine households facing food security challenges.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manila Bulletin 2025-04-23