Manila: The government's PHP20-per-kilo rice initiative is projected to be sustainable until December 2025 and may potentially be incorporated into the national budget for the subsequent years, a Palace official announced.
According to Philippines News Agency, reports presented to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. indicated that the program could be sustained up to December of this year. It is anticipated that by 2026, the program will be considered for inclusion in the national budget, stated Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro during a press briefing.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) inaugurated the 'Benteng Bigas Mayroon (BBM) Na' program in Cebu on May 1 as part of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) initiative. This program aims to make rice available through targeted mechanisms, focusing on vulnerable sectors such as senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, and beneficiaries of the government's Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.
Under the KNP program, each qualified household can purchase up to 30 kilograms of National Food Authority (NFA) rice per month at PHP20 per kilo. Initial feedback from the pilot launch in Cebu was positive, with strong turnout and consumer satisfaction reported.
"Nakita po natin lalong-lalo na sa mainstream media na napakarami pong nag-avail, marami pong pumila, marami pong nakinabang sa mga kababayan natin sa Cebu at nakabili po ng bigas na bente pesos po kada kilo (We saw, especially in mainstream media, that many people availed, many queued, and many of our fellow citizens in Cebu benefited and were able to buy rice at PHP20 per kilo)," Castro noted.
Moreover, reporters verified the good quality of the rice, with purchasers in Cebu expressing satisfaction after cooking it. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. explained that Cebu's provincial government commenced rice sales ahead of other regions due to a Commission on Elections request to postpone the Metro Manila rollout until after the May 12 midterm elections.
The Metro Manila launch is now scheduled for May 13, with preparations underway at a minimum of 16 sites, including Quezon City, Caloocan, Mandaluyong, Pasay, and Pasig. Castro emphasized that the program rollout will continue to prioritize those most in need, ensuring a well-organized distribution.
The DA anticipates that this initiative will help decongest NFA warehouses prior to peak harvest season and serve as a model for nationwide implementation through 2028. In Cebu alone, more than 30 local governments participating in the Sugbo Merkadong Barato program have begun selling the PHP20/kilo rice, with over 3,700 rice bags available for sale.
