The Department of Agriculture started selling P20 per kilogram (kg) rice in 12 Kadiwa centers in the National Capital Region (NCR) on Tuesday.
The cheaper rice can be purchased by members of vulnerable groups, particularly Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, senior citizens, persons with disability (PWDs), and single parents. The DA set a purchase limit of 10 kilograms per week or 30 kilograms per month.
Bringing down the price of rice to P20/kg was one of the campaign promises of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. when he ran for president in 2022.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel announced the sale of P20/kg rice last month. On May 1, Tiu Laurel led the launch of the program in Cebu, with an additional rollout in 8 Kadiwa stores in Metro Manila scheduled on May 2.
However, the program was suspended upon the advice of the Commission on Elections, citing the ban on government assistance distribution 10 days leading up to the elections and on election day itself.
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