Report Rice at PHP 20: Marcos Jr. Promises Farmers Aren't Losing Out

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In a much-anticipated move, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has announced the fulfilment of his pledge to bring rice prices down to PHP 20 (around THB 12) per kilo. This announcement, made during his fourth State of the Nation Address, marks a significant moment in his leadership, yet stirs debate among stakeholders.

 

The president declared that the ambitious goal of PHP 20 per kilo is now a reality, asserting that the price cut does not disadvantage local farmers. This comes on the heels of pilot programmes rolled out since May in key areas such as San Juan, Cavite, and Cebu, among others. The initiative relies on the National Food Authority's (NFA) buffer stocks, sourced from local farmers purchasing fresh palay at PHP 18 (THB 10) per kilo and dry palay at up to PHP 23 (THB 14) per kilo.

 

"Ito ang aking tugon," Marcos stated, emphasising the programme's success in maintaining farmer profitability while offering affordable rice to the public.

 

To scale the initiative, the government has allocated PHP 13 billion (THB 7.6 billion) to bolster the Department of Agriculture’s projects through hundreds of Kadiwa stores nationwide. These stores aim to ensure accessible and affordable rice distribution facilitated by local government collaborations.

 

A key component of the plan involves safeguarding the integrity of rice pricing. Marcos warned against price manipulation, citing the newly enacted Republic Act 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act. This law targets smugglers and hoarders, imposing severe penalties, including life imprisonment, for violations.

 

Despite these efforts, some farmer groups express scepticism. The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) argues that the perceived gains under Marcos are superficial. They report that increased costs in production and land rental mean that a typical rice farmer earns only about PHP 4,942 (THB 2,875) per hectare per season, highlighting ongoing challenges in the agricultural sector.

 

Moreover, the farmgate price of palay remains static at PHP 16 (THB 9) per kilo, causing concern amongst farmers who see significant amounts of rice being imported rather than sourced locally.

 

Marcos has also promised additional infrastructure support, such as farm-to-market roads and expanded access to fertilisers and water resources, to help bolster the agricultural industry further.

 

As the programme broadens to 162 locations, particularly focusing on vulnerable populations such as the indigent, senior citizens, and solo parents, questions remain about its sustainability. While the administration has yet to outline a long-term strategy beyond these initial steps, planning is underway to maintain the PHP 20-per-kilo rice through to 2028.

 

The initiative is an assertive step towards addressing food affordability, yet it must navigate the complexities of ensuring farmer welfare amidst economic and logistical challenges. The outcome will markedly influence both the agricultural landscape and consumer markets across the Philippines.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Phil Star 2025-07-29