SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez led top House officials in a high-level meeting with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Wednesday to discuss the legislative roadmap that will make President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s ₱20 per kilo rice program permanent and sustainable.
The Speaker emphasized the House’s full commitment to institutionalizing this pro-poor initiative by fast-tracking the passage of key measures designed to lower production costs, improve rice supply chains, and empower government agencies with the tools they need to stabilize prices.
Joining the meeting were (L–R) Isabela Governor Rodito Albano III, Camiguin Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, House Majority Leader Mannix M. Dalipe, Deputy Speaker David “Jay-jay” Suarez, Speaker Romualdez, Secretary Laurel, House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Mark Enverga of Quezon, Deputy Speaker Antonio “Tonypet” Albano of Isabela, and House Secretary General Reginald “Reggie” Velasco.
Among the priority measures identified were amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law and bills to restore the regulatory powers of the National Food Authority (NFA) — crucial reforms seen as pillars of a long-term strategy to deliver affordable rice to Filipino families.
