The Philippines would need more than ₱50 billion annually to make rice available at ₱29 per kilo for every Filipino, the Department of Agriculture (DA) revealed on Tuesday during a joint congressional inquiry on food prices, smuggling, and hunger.
Agriculture Undersecretary Asis Perez explained in a GMA News report that the limited fiscal resources necessitate prioritizing the most vulnerable sectors, such as the poorest families and senior citizens, under the Kadiwa program.
“Providing ₱29-per-kilo rice to everyone would require tremendous resources, and given the limited fiscal space, it’s challenging to achieve at this time,” Perez said. He added that while the government is targeting the vulnerable sectors, universal access to cheap rice remains financially unfeasible.
The discussion also highlighted broader food affordability issues. Mildred Guirindola, Supervising Science Research Specialist at the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), noted that 80% of Filipinos cannot afford healthy food, citing high prices for fruits, vegetables, fish, and meat. Many rely on rice for their protein needs due to its affordability compared to other food sources.
Responding to FNRI’s data, Albay Representative Joey Salceda, chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, called for urgent action. “This data should guide us in identifying gaps and holding accountable those who make food security difficult to achieve,” Salceda said.
The inquiry was conducted by a super committee formed under House Resolution 254, composed of various House Committees, including Agriculture and Food, Trade and Industry, and Food Security.
