MANILA (September 16) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) will begin distribution of the P20-per-kilo rice program in five major cities today, benefiting over 57,000 public transportation workers.
The plan will allow eligible jeepney, bus, and tricycle drivers, as well as transportation companies, to purchase up to 10 kilos of rice every month at a subsidized rate of P20 per kilo.
The initial rollouts will take place in Quezon City, with 17,633 beneficiaries, Navotas (1,001), Angeles City in Pampanga (9,961), Cebu City (24,742), and Tagum City (3,650), according to the DA.
The Bureau of Animal Industry, the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, Food Terminal Inc., and the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division offices have all been designated as distribution centers.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. defined the program as a direct intervention designed to alleviate the impact of rising food prices. “This is not just a food program.” Tiu Laurel remarked, “It’s a promise fulfilled: a fight against hunger that meets people where they are.”
The Departments of Transportation, Interior, and Local Government, as well as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, assisted in determining the recipients.
Tiu Laurel stated that the initiative supports the administration’s goal of reaching 15 million households by 2026 and maintaining the rice subsidy until President Marcos’ tenure ends.
The P20 per-kilo rice program, which was originally designed for senior citizens, single parents, people with disabilities, and low-income families, has since expanded to include minimum wage earners, farmers, fishermen, public school teachers, non-teaching education staff, and beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Walang Gutom initiative.
