P45 RICE FOR ALL PROGRAM LAUNCHED, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

On August 1, the Rice for All Program was launched selling P45 per kilo to the general public (Photo courtesy of Philippine Star)

The sale of P45 per kilo of well-milled rice has begun under the Rice-for-All program would sell to the general public of the Department of Agriculture (DA). This is P10 less compared to P55 per kilo of imported and local well-milled rice in the market.

According to the DA, traders and farmers directly drop the sold rice in Kadiwa so the price is lower. But they said it will be adjusted depending on the movement of the price of rice, and it can even go down by up to P40 per kilo depending on its prices.

"The concept of Kadiwa is to reduce the layers of middlemen, traders. That's why that percentage, that gap, is eliminated. Definitely prices are lower here in Kadiwa," DA Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said.

Right now, customers can only buy up to P25 kilos per day. The P45 rice can be availed at the Bureau of Plant Industry in Manila, Food Terminal Incorporated in Taguig, Barangay Potrero Malabon, and Caloocan from Thursday to Saturday.

It is said that this will be extended to different parts of the country, apart from P45 rice, the sale of P29 rice will also continue to vulnerable sectors such as PWDs and Seniors. It is still available at 17 Kadiwa Sites in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal.

De Mesa added that the new program seeks to help more Filipino consumers cope with the impact of high food prices, which significantly influence inflation and consequently interest rates. As President Marcos wants to ensure that every Filipino has access to affordable food during these trying times.

"For those in the mountains, we are coordinating with the different local government units so that they will identify who are best to benefit from these. And what we in the whole administration want is to implement these two programs," said De Mesa.

“Both the P29 Rice and Rice-for-All programs are designed to make this essential staple more accessible and affordable for every Filipino, in line with President Marcos' vision of ‘Walang magugutom sa Bagong Pilipinas,” he added.

Source: Philippine News Agency

Be part of ImHenyo community!

Get featured by sharing your stories, news, and comments

Email us at [email protected]