PH to roll out P36/kilo rice to LGUs in February

The Philippine government plans to distribute rice at an affordable price of P36 per kilo to local government units (LGUs), which will sell it to their communities.

San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora announced that Metro Manila Council members met with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel to discuss the initiative. He explained that LGUs would receive the rice at P36 per kilo, with an optional P2 profit margin for distribution costs. However, Zamora said his city intends to sell the rice at cost, without any profit.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) will also introduce two new affordable rice varieties: “Sulit Rice,” priced at P35 to P36 per kilo, and “Nutri Rice,” priced at P37 to P38 per kilo. Sulit Rice consists of 100% broken white rice, while Nutri Rice is a healthier option, resembling well-milled or brown rice.

According to DA spokesperson Arnel De Mesa, the National Food Authority (NFA) currently has 300,000 tons of rice in stock. Zamora emphasized that LGUs must assist in distributing the rice to ensure it reaches Filipino households.

Secretary Laurel believes rice prices may decrease further by March, making this program a significant step toward addressing the rising cost of living.