The Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to offer rice at P43 per kilo through its Rice-for-All program, available at Kadiwa stores starting this week. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel announced that the initiative aims to provide affordable rice to consumers, with plans to expand Kadiwa outlets throughout the year.
Currently, 21 new Kadiwa stores will open in Metro Manila and Laguna, with the goal of doubling the number of outlets by the weekend and reaching 169 stores by the end of the year. Additionally, rice will be sold at P29 per kilo for senior citizens, solo parents, and persons with disabilities.
The DA has partnered with several farmer and fisherfolk cooperatives to ensure at least one Kadiwa store is established in each of the 1,500 municipalities nationwide. DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra emphasized the importance of this collaboration, describing it as a reflection of the Filipino “bayanihan” spirit in implementing government programs.
