Pasay city: The government is set to launch its PHP20 per kilogram rice program in Visayas regions impacted by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake, with the initiative expected to last for at least one month. This announcement was made by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. during an event in Pasay City.

According to Philippines News Agency, a team has been dispatched to assess the areas severely affected by the earthquake, which struck Bogo City on Tuesday night. Secretary Tiu Laurel emphasized that the country remains food secure with adequate supplies. He has instructed the activation of the 20-peso rice program in the affected regions, including Masbate and Eastern Samar, to support recovery efforts.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa has confirmed the agency's readiness to provide necessary assistance to farmers impacted by the quake. The DA is currently awaiting initial reports on the damage sustained by the agriculture sector and farm-to-market roads in the region.

The entire Cebu province was declared under a state of calamity on Wednesday. The earthquake resulted in at least 60 fatalities and numerous injuries. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is in the process of validating casualty reports.