Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. on Friday expressed his gratitude to key stakeholders, including rice millers, importers, and the Philippine National Police (PNP), for their unwavering support of the Marcos administration’s initiative to provide more affordable rice to Filipino consumers.
Speaking during a meeting with rice importers, Tiu Laurel commended the vital role these groups played in ensuring the success of the KADIWA ng Pangulo Rice-for-All rolling stores. Launched on 21 December, the mobile outlets provide high-quality and highly affordable rice priced from only ₱40 and ₱45 per kilogram.
At present, 26 rolling stores and kiosks have been deployed across various public markets in Metro Manila, as well as select MRT and LRT stations. Plans are underway to expand the program to all major public markets in the National Capital Region (NCR). In addition to the mobile outlets, 40 KADIWA Centers in NCR and Bulacan are providing basic necessities, prime commodities, and rice options tailored to the needs of vulnerable sectors, including the ₱29 per kilo rice program.
The DA chief also took the opportunity to thank Police major general Edgar Alan Okubo, acting chief of the PNP directorial staff, for ensuring the safety and orderliness of the KADIWA operations, underscoring the importance of collaboration in maintaining smooth and secure distribution channels.
“We remain hopeful that more like-minded businesses will join President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration in addressing food inflation and ensuring the affordability of rice for all Filipino households,” Tiu Laurel said.
He emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to Filipino rice farmers, pointing out that while efforts are being made to lower retail prices through partnerships with rice millers and importers, the Department of Agriculture (DA) remains dedicated to enhancing the productivity and profitability of local farmers.
A key strategy in achieving these objectives, Secretary Laurel noted, is encouraging rice importers to allocate a portion of their imports to varieties with a 25 percent broken grain content. Unlike premium rice with only 5 percent broken grains, these varieties are more affordable and can significantly increase the availability of lower-priced options for consumers.
By incorporating more 25 percent broken rice into the market, Laurel argued, the government can ensure that affordable rice options reach more Filipino families without compromising on overall supply.
“The DA is committed to working closely with our farmers, rice millers, and other stakeholders to ensure that affordable and high-quality rice is accessible to every Filipino household,” he concluded.
As rice prices continue to be a significant concern for consumers, the government remains focused on improving affordability and stability in the rice market, with hopes that these initiatives will pave the way for lasting solutions to food inflation in the country.
