The Department of Agriculture has begun rolling out the KADIWA ng Pangulo’s Rice-for-All program in select public markets across Metro Manila, aimed at providing affordable rice options and curbing high retail prices.
Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra, head of the KADIWA program, confirmed that kiosks offering Rice-for-All at P40 per kilo will be available from Tuesday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at major markets and transport hubs such as MRT and LRT stations. This price reduction comes after global rice costs decreased and the Philippine government reduced rice tariffs to 15 percent from 35 percent in July.
Initially priced at P45 per kilo, the Rice-for-All program has been reduced to P43 recently. The price will be reduced further starting Thursday to a more affordable rate of P40 a kilo as part of efforts to shield consumers from inflationary pressures.
Markets selected for the initial rollout include Kamuning, Malabon Central, Balintawak, Pasay City, and Guadalupe.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the initiative targets unscrupulous traders who fail to pass on the benefit of lower rice prices to consumers.
Secretary Laurel added that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had approved a P5 billion budget boost for the KADIWA program to expand rice subsidies and ensure food security.09:39 AM
