Over 12 million Filipinos benefit from P20/kilo rice — DA

MANILA, Philippines – More than 12 million Filipinos have already benefited from the government's P20-per-kilo rice program, one of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s key campaign promises during the 2022 presidential elections, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the government has expanded the "Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!" program, with P20-per-kilo rice now available at around 800 outlets nationwide and a target of 1,500 outlets by the end of the year.

Tiu Laurel said the program is focused on low-income households, particularly persons with disabilities (PWDs), 4Ps beneficiaries, single parents, and senior citizens.

“Ang target natin ay yung mga lower income lalo na ang mga PWD, 4Ps, single parents at seniors. Target natin is 15 million households,” he said.

The DA currently distributes 15,000 to 20,000 metric tons of subsidized rice every month and plans to increase the monthly allocation to 40,000 metric tons by December to reach more Filipino families.

Despite the effects of El Niño, the department assured the public that the country's food supply remains stable and sufficient, with Tiu Laurel saying, “Marami naman tayong supply, ample, walang cause for any alarm, we are food secure.”

The program also provides a reliable market for locally produced palay, helping farmers earn better income while consumers benefit from lower rice prices.

Tiu Laurel said farmers have welcomed the initiative, adding, “Masayang-masaya ang farmers, nakakatulong talaga sa kanilang kabuhayan.”

The DA continues to invest in long-term initiatives, including solar-powered irrigation systems, farm-to-market roads, agricultural credit, climate resilience programs, and infrastructure projects designed to strengthen the country's food security.

The department is also promoting investments in rice milling, drying, and storage facilities to improve domestic production, reduce reliance on imported rice, and create more opportunities for Filipino farmers.

Tiu Laurel said the DA remains committed to helping farmers and fisherfolk achieve sustainable livelihoods.

“Tanging hangad ko ay kumita ‘yung ating mga farmers and fisherfolks. While in office, one of my main missions is to create the atmosphere and give them the infrastructure for them to be able to make money,” he said.

— The Summit Express