President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said that the government is ready to expand the sale of P20-per-kilogram rice across the country, backed by a P113 billion allocation to widen its availability in more retail outlets. The initiative, currently operating in 162 locations through the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program, has already been piloted successfully in various provinces across Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
Marcos emphasized that the program can be expanded without harming farmer income and warned traders against price manipulation, vowing to pursue economic sabotage charges against violators.
The nationwide rollout is part of broader food affordability and agricultural revitalization efforts. Marcos also reaffirmed government support to lower pork prices through improved local production, increased investment in biosecure facilities, and widespread hog vaccination against African swine fever.
In a call for private sector support, the President urged investment in agriculture, highlighting that nearly 8.5 million farmers and fisherfolk have received assistance under his administration. Additional programs include the annual planting of 15 million new coconut trees and a push to amend the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act to better support the industry.
These initiatives, Marcos said, are part of a broader strategy to ensure affordable food for consumers, protect local producers, and modernize key agricultural sectors.
