Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Tuesday announced that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s initiative to provide PHP20 per kg rice to vulnerable sectors is a crucial measure aimed at ensuring food security for poor Filipinos amid the effects of global tensions.

According to Philippines News Agency, the subsidized rice, which will be distributed by the Department of Agriculture (DA), targets senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, "Ang ganitong hakbang ay malaking tulong para sa ating mga kababayan na araw-araw ay nagsusumikap na maitawid ang kanilang pamilya. Ito ay patunay na hindi nakakalimutan ng ating gobyerno ang ating mga bulnerableng kababayan" (This initiative is a big help to fellow citizens who work hard daily to feed their families. This proves that our government is mindful of our vulnerable sectors).

Beneficiaries can purchase the PHP20/kg rice under the 'Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na' program at select Kadiwa ng Pangulo stores located in the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa. Furthermore, Kadiwa pop-up stores in Metro Manila also offer this affordable rice option.

In addition to Kadiwa stores, accredited non-Kadiwa outlets in Metro Manila are participating in the program, offering rice at the same price point. The DSWD has advised beneficiaries to carry valid identification for proper verification. Specific IDs required include senior citizen IDs, Solo Parent Identification Cards (SPIC), PWD IDs, and 4Ps household beneficiary IDs.

Currently, the cheaper rice is available in 123 sites nationwide, which includes 88 Kadiwa ng Pangulo centers, kiosks, stalls in public markets, local government units, and other agencies.