DA ramps up P20-per kilo rice retailing program
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is ramping up its flagship program in Metro Manila as part of the broader goal to provide cheaper rice to millions of Filipinos.
The DA held a kickoff ceremony in San Juan City on Friday to launch the P20-per kilogram rice sale in the National Capital Region. The plan is to establish at least five outlets in every local government unit (LGU).
“This is not a promo. This is not a sale. This is a serious step toward food security, and a lifeline for those who need it badly,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in a statement.
READ: DA ready for ‘key test’ of full rollout of P20/kg rice this year
“We are not just opening a P20 rice outlet. We are opening more opportunities for every Filipino family to buy quality rice at an affordable price,” Tiu Laurel said.
The agriculture chief reminded eligible beneficiaries to register through the DA’s P20 mobile application to ensure faster access to affordable rice and help the agency make this program more equitable.
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora urged fellow local government officials to accelerate expansion of the program.
READ: DA sets Metro Manila-wide rollout of P20/kilo rice program
‘Synchronized’ strategy
The agency said the Metro Manila rollout is part of a synchronized supply strategy timed with the peak harvest season, when palay (unmilled rice) output is expected to increase.
The DA and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) formed a technical working group on Wednesday to accelerate and ensure effective implementation.
It aims to reach 60 million lower middle-income and vulnerable Filipinos nationwide through this initiative, which was launched in May last year.
READ: DA says P20/kg rice now available in all 82 provinces across PH
A full-scale expansion is planned by end-March to align with peak harvest flows and maximize supply availability.
The DA sells subsidized rice to senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, beneficiaries of the government’s conditional cash transfer program, minimum wage earners, transport workers, farmers and fisherfolk.
It is implementing the program in coordination with the Food Terminal Inc., various government agencies and LGUs. /dda
