The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced a new partnership with the major retail chains to distribute affordable rice nationwide, aimed at stabilizing prices and improving access for Filipino households.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. met with representatives from supermarkets, groceries, and convenience stores on Tuesday to discuss the government-led initiative. The plan targets retail networks with over 3,200 outlets, including giants like SM, Robinsons, 7-Eleven, Puregold, and MerryMart, which reach millions of consumers every day.
“This is a solution that we believe will stabilize rice prices faster and more efficiently,” said Tiu Laurel. “But we need to find the right balance to operationalize this properly and secure everyone’s cooperation.”
The program will first roll out in Metro Manila, where rice prices remain high despite tariff reductions and lower global prices. The initiative will feature two key components:
- P29 Rice – Affordable rice sourced from aging stocks at the National Food Authority (NFA) for vulnerable sectors.
- Rice-for-All (RFA) Program – Offering a variety of rice grades, including RFA5 (5% broken), RFA25 (25% broken), and RFA100 (100% broken), also known as Sulit Rice.
Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), a government corporation, will handle the supply and packaging, ensuring that rice reaches the participating retailers. This partnership builds on the KADIWA ng Pangulo program, which has been a key tool in reducing food costs for Filipinos.
The DA plans to monitor the program in Metro Manila over the coming months before potentially expanding it to other regions facing similar rice price fluctuations. This collaboration aims to have a long-term impact on stabilizing rice prices across the country, particularly in urban areas where price volatility is more pronounced. The DA remains optimistic that this model can drive lasting improvements in food security and affordability for Filipino consumers.
