President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. formally launched the P20-per-kilo rice initiative on Wednesday in Bacoor, Cavite, delivering on one of his most closely watched campaign promises.
Joined by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Marcos led the ceremonial rollout at the Zapote Public Market, where 500 sacks of affordable rice were made available. The subsidized rice is intended for vulnerable groups, including senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, and beneficiaries of the government’s 4Ps program.
While the Department of Agriculture first introduced the low-cost rice sale on May 1, it was briefly suspended due to the election-related public spending ban and resumed on May 12.
Critics have questioned whether the program can be sustained over time, but the President stood firm in his commitment. “There are those who are saying it’s just for show; it’s just a cosmetic solution… Well, they are fair to have that opinion that it’s unsustainable,” Marcos admitted. “Watch me sustain it, and then we will talk in May of 2028.”
The P20 rice pledge was among the most notable promises Marcos made during the 2022 presidential campaign.
