THE Philippine government, under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., is significantly expanding its affordable rice program.
Starting Thursday, an additional 32 Kadiwa Centers in provinces surrounding Metro Manila will offer rice at the subsidized price of P20 per kilogram. This expansion, announced by Palace Press Office’s Claire Castro on Wednesday, aims to make affordable rice accessible to a wider segment of the Filipino population.
Castro firmly refuted claims that the program is merely an election ploy, stating during a press briefing, “This is not just for the elections, as some claim. More of our Kadiwa Centers are now open for the twenty-peso rice.”
The low-cost rice will be available in 32 newly added Kadiwa Centers across Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, and Mindoro.
This expansion builds upon the program’s initial rollout in select Metro Manila Kadiwa sites, which began on Tuesday. The government’s commitment to providing affordable rice is clearly demonstrated by this significant expansion, reaching more communities and families in need.
The initiative aims to alleviate the burden of rising food prices and ensure food security for a larger portion of the population. The success of this program will be closely monitored, and further expansions may be considered based on its impact and effectiveness.
