Iloilo City: Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. on Thursday convened heads of departments under the Civil Defense Cluster to discuss preparations for the implementation of the PHP20 per kilogram (kg.) rice program.

According to Philippines News Agency, Defensor joined other Visayas governors in a closed-door luncheon meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Cebu City on Wednesday, where they tackled the program and its initial rollout in the Visayas.

Defensor is now drafting an executive order to integrate the initiative into the province's existing health, nutrition, and agriculture programs, the capitol said in a statement. 'This will be part of our broader effort to improve food security and access,' Defensor said in an interview with XFM Iloilo.

He noted that while the program is still in its early stages, groundwork is being laid to identify the purchasing mechanism, target beneficiaries, and funding sources. 'We will have to combine this with our program. We will sign this Executive Order, and that plan to sell rice at a low cost will be part of our program,' Defensor said.

The pilot launch in the Visayas was confirmed by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., who announced that Iloilo is among the provinces where rice stocks from the National Food Authority are ready for distribution. Each household will be allowed to buy up to 10 kg. per week or 40 kg. monthly.

Department of Agriculture-Western Visayas Regional Director Dennis Arpia also took part in the planning session, signaling full support from the regional office for the upcoming rollout.