₱20 rice now available nationwide

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has completed the nationwide rollout of the ₱20-per-kilo “Rice for All” program, following its final launch in the towns of Barira, Buldon, Matanog, Sultan Kudarat, and Sultan Mastura in Maguindanao del Norte.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. said the initiative is now present in all 82 provinces, with stocks supplied by the National Food Authority (NFA), which buys palay directly from local farmers. He explained that the Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI) subsidizes the price drop from ₱33 to ₱20 per kilo, while the national government and local government units shoulder ₱6.50 each of the ₱13 subsidy.

DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra clarified that the ₱20 rice is reserved for vulnerable groups, including 4Ps beneficiaries, single parents, senior citizens, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, minimum wage earners, transport workers, farmers, and fisherfolk.

Since its launch in May, 429 sites have been established nationwide. Guevarra noted that the pilot rollout helped identify supply and logistics challenges ahead of a wider expansion next year. The next phase, she added, will focus on sustaining supply and boosting production to serve up to 15 million households.

Cheaper rice has been a key campaign promise of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who repeatedly vowed in his State of the Nation Address to bring rice prices down to ₱20 per kilo. He lauded the DA for pushing the program forward, saying it would ease the financial strain on Filipino families.

In the latest episode of the BBM Podcast, the President said his Christmas wish is for a more favorable 2026 national budget to support public services and spur development across all sectors. On a personal note, he shared that he hopes to spend more time with his family, admitting he misses the simplicity of life in Ilocos Norte before assuming the presidency.

“Though I can no longer relax the way I used to, I remain grateful for the chance to help people through public service,” he said. TRACY CABRERA