The Department of Agriculture (DA) has expanded its P29-a kilo rice program by setting up KADIWA outlets in Laguna and Cavite to provide affordable staple to a larger number of vulnerable households.
“We are progressing ahead of schedule, but with careful planning to maximize the program’s impact on disadvantaged Filipinos. The decision to expand comes in response to overwhelming demand from vulnerable sectors in San Pedro, Laguna, and Bacoor, Cavite,” said DA assistant secretary for Consumer and Legislative Affairs Genevieve Guevarra.
Now with 15 operational Kadiwa stores, the P29-rice program offers subsidized rice sourced from the National Food Authority (NFA) through the KADIWA centers.
The Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) plays a crucial role in purchasing NFA stocks and selling them at reduced prices in KADIWA centers.
FTI president and CEO Joseph Rudolph Lo affirmed the government support for DA initiatives, including the Rice-for-All program, which aims to provide discounted well-milled and fancy rice through the KADIWA centers.
“Rice-for-All is already making strides in selected centers, with phased roll-outs planned to ensure its success,” said Lo.
The P29-rice program targets 6.9 million households, or about 34 million Filipinos, and is currently undergoing a large-scale trial to assess demand, supply, and logistics.
In the first two weeks, about 25,000 households benefited from over 12.7 tons of rice sold through the program.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. anticipates a potential downward price adjustment based on global rice market trends, including the possibility of India lifting its export ban and improving production in Thailand and Vietnam.
“We will extend this program for as long as possible and hopefully, with favorable supply and global developments, we can further lower rice prices for those who need this targeted government intervention the most,” he said.
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