Manila: Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) centers are set to commence the sale of rice at PHP20 per kilogram starting May 2, as announced by the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday. This initiative is part of a project aimed at providing affordable rice to vulnerable sectors, including beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and solo parents.

According to Philippines News Agency, this development follows the pilot launch of the PHP20 per kg rice sale in Cebu on May 1, marking the first implementation of the program in the Visayas region. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that the government-subsidized rice program is an extension of the 'Bente Bigas Mo' initiative, which is operational in 10 local government units (LGUs) where NFA rice is currently sold at PHP33 per kilo due to a national food security emergency.

The LGUs participating in the NFA rice sale include San Juan City and Navotas in Metro Manila; San Jose del Monte in Bulacan; Isabela; Camarines Sur; and Mati City in Davao Oriental. Tiu Laurel noted that the PHP20 per kg rice would consist of 25 percent broken rice sourced from local farmers, combining both aging and not yet aging stocks from the National Food Authority (NFA).

The aging stocks, which are over three months old, are currently offered at PHP29 per kg to vulnerable sectors under a separate DA program. Beneficiaries of the new PHP20 per kg rice program will have a monthly purchase limit of 30 kg at KNP sites.

Tiu Laurel also highlighted the program's potential benefits for local farmers, stating that teams are directed to purchase palay at PHP18 to PHP24 per kilo to enhance farmers' incomes. The NFA reported a stockpile of 7.56 million bags of milled rice as of April 24, sufficient for 10 days, marking the highest procurement volume in five years amid ongoing palay procurement during the peak harvest season.