MANILA, Philippines — Guimaras is the latest province to join the growing list of areas covered by subsidized rice sale as the government aims to expand the initiative.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the provincial government of Guimaras rolled out on Tuesday the program to offer subsidized rice to vulnerable sectors on the island.
Senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents and indigent residents of Guimaras can purchase P20 per kilogram of rice through Kadiwa centers and partner local government units.
Each qualified beneficiary can purchase up to 10 kilos of rice per month.
“By making P20 [per kilo] rice accessible to financially-challenged consumers, the province is also helping rice farmers from other regions who supply this essential commodity,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in a statement on Wednesday.
Procurement
The Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) initially ordered 5,000 sacks of rice from the National Food Authority. The latter, in turn, buys rice solely from local farmers as part of its mandate.
Under this program, the FTI splits the subsidy cost with participating local governments to sell the rice at P20 a kilo – the price promised by President Marcos when he was campaigning for the presidency.
Aside from Guimaras, beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Walang Gutom (No Hunger) Program are now covered by the subsidized rice program.
The agencies rolled out the initiative during a food redemption activity in Tondo, Manila. Initial beneficiaries include solo parents, senior citizens and persons with disabilities enrolled in the DSWD’s flagship program.
“We are committed to ensuring [that] marginalized families have consistent access to affordable, nutritious food. Kadiwa stores and DA-accredited suppliers play a crucial role in this effort,” Agriculture Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra said.
Siquijor launch
The DA also launched the P20/kg rice sale in Siquijor last month. This is seen to serve as a strategic model evaluate the viability of implementing the program in remote areas.
In doing so, the DA aims to gain crucial insights into the logistical and community challenges of delivering subsidized rice to remote and underserved areas.
The FTI earlier said Siquijor would become the “testing ground” for improving logistics and the distribution of cheaper rice and establishing real-time feedback systems in preparation for next year’s nationwide rollout./dda
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