Cebu: House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez announced that the rollout of the PHP20-per-kilogram rice in the Visayas, starting next week, marks a significant step towards making affordable rice accessible to all Filipino families. This initiative is part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s efforts to transform his campaign promise into actionable results.
According to Philippines News Agency, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. revealed details of the pilot program following a closed-door meeting with the President and 12 Visayas governors in Cebu. The President has expressed his desire for the program to be sustained nationwide until 2028. Romualdez highlighted that rice prices, which soared to PHP60 per kilogram in some regions last year, have decreased to PHP35 to PHP39 per kilogram for many consumers, indicating that the PHP20 target is increasingly attainable.
The Visayas launch will initially restrict purchases to 10 kilograms per household per week as the Department of Agriculture evaluates warehousing capacity, inter-island shipping routes, and Kadiwa retail points to address potential challenges before a broader rollout. Romualdez lauded local government units in the Visayas for their willingness to share the subsidy costs with the national government, describing it as a form of cooperative economics.
To ensure continued progress, Romualdez emphasized the House's commitment to supporting long-term investments in agricultural modernization, including mechanization, seed quality enhancements, soil programs, and solar-powered irrigation. He noted that these elements are essential for producing durable, affordable, and abundant rice. Additionally, the House is exploring financing models that utilize tariff savings and private capital for post-harvest infrastructure.
The Speaker mentioned that the House is considering proposals to guarantee a sustainable and nationwide rollout of the affordable rice program. The progress of these initiatives, he added, would be expedited if the administration's Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas coalition wins a majority in the Senate in the 2025 midterm elections.
Romualdez underscored the need for passing more laws to sustain and expand the PHP20 rice program. He expressed optimism that if Alyansa secures a Senate majority, reforms in logistics, farm support, and subsidies will be more easily advanced.
