President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Agriculture (DA) to maintain the P20 per kilogram rice program until the end of his term in 2028, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel announced on Monday.
Laurel confirmed that the President’s instruction aims to ensure that the affordable rice program continues to benefit low-income families across the country. “Inutos na ni Presidente sa amin na gagawin na natin ito hanggang 2028,” Laurel said during a press briefing at Malacañang.
The initiative, which offers rice at a heavily subsidized rate of P20 per kilo, is funded through a cost-sharing arrangement between the DA and local government units (LGUs) where the rice is sold. Laurel explained that the ongoing discussions focus on finalizing the subsidy formula.
According to the DA chief, the program is expected to support 15 million families or approximately 60 million individuals. Currently, it has been rolled out in the Visayas, with plans to expand to other areas with high poverty rates.
However, Laurel clarified that the program is intended for the most vulnerable sectors. “Hindi naman ito puwede sa lahat ng Pilipino… Ang mga mayayaman hindi na dapat sumama sa programa,” he stressed.
To ensure continued implementation, the DA is engaging with newly elected local officials to establish agreements on the subsidy scheme.
