The Department of Agriculture (DA) is expanding its P40 per kilogram Rice-for-All program in response to growing public demand. According to DA assistant secretary Arnel de Mesa, the program’s success has led to quick sales, prompting logistics adjustments with partner Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) to ensure a steady supply.
The DA plans to open additional rice-buying stations at key Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) stations, including Recto and Ayala, with further talks underway to establish stations at more commuter hubs. Since last week, stations at MRT North Avenue and LRT Monumento have been operational.
The Rice-for-All initiative, part of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program, provides subsidized rice at select public markets in the National Capital Region. Rice is available Tuesday to Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no purchase limits, as supplies are regularly restocked. The program also targets private markets in areas like Quezon City, Pasay, and Manila.
With rice prices in NCR markets ranging from P40 to P60 per kilogram, the DA’s initiative aims to provide affordable alternatives, sourcing rice directly from FTI at P37 to P38 per kg.
