Government allocates P5 billion to help vulnerable sectors Access Cheap Rice

DAVAO CITY—The government has tripled its budget for the vulnerable sector under the P29 per kilo rice program to help them purchase affordable rice.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro, during a press briefing with the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) on March 27, announced that the government had increased the allotment from 10 to 30 kilos of rice each month for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and indigents, with a total of P5 billion allocated for the initiative.

Previously, the vulnerable sector was allowed to purchase up to 10 kilos of rice per month. The new program has raised the monthly allowance to 30 kilos, which will be available for purchase through the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program.

Castro explained that increasing the allowable rice purchase will release the Department of Agriculture’s buffer stock, facilitating the purchase of new rice stocks from farmers, especially during harvest season.

“This adjustment in the rice purchase program is in response to the movement of goods and prices, as influenced by the world market,” Castro said. “It will also make cheaper rice more accessible to the vulnerable sector.”