PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Agriculture (DA) to extend its P20 per kilogram rice subsidy program until the end of his term in 2028. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel made the announcement, stating that the President has directed the DA to continue the program through 2028.
While the specific formula for the subsidy is still under discussion, the program aims to provide affordable rice to 15 million families, or approximately 60 million Filipinos.
The program, which currently provides rice at P20 per kilogram through a shared subsidy between the DA and local government units (LGUs), has already been launched in parts of the Visayas and is expected to expand to other areas with high poverty incidence.
However, Secretary Laurel clarified that the P20 rice is not intended for all Filipinos. “This isn’t for all Filipinos,” he said. “Wealthy individuals shouldn’t participate in the program.”
The DA is scheduled to meet with newly elected local officials to secure agreements for the shared subsidy arrangement. The P20 per kilogram rice program was a key campaign promise of President Marcos during the 2022 elections.
The administration hopes the initiative will significantly alleviate the burden of rising food prices for low-income families. Details regarding the program’s implementation and distribution mechanisms are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
metrosundaily
