The Department of Agriculture (DA) has expanded its P20 per kilogram subsidized rice program to La Union and Baguio City, aiming to ease food costs for low-income consumers. As of 15 and 16 July, respectively, Kadiwa outlets in Naguilian and Baguio began distributing NFA rice to hundreds of beneficiaries, marking a growing nationwide rollout now covering 162 locations.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the initiative supports both consumers and local farmers by freeing up warehouse space for palay procurement at better rates. The program targets to serve up to 60 million Filipinos by end-2026.
In a related move, the DA has also lowered the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) of imported well-milled rice (5 percent broken) from P45 to P43/kg effective 16 July. This follows improved global supply stability after a Middle East ceasefire. The price cap aims to ease consumer costs amid volatile international markets.
Plans are underway to introduce MSRPs for imported pork by August and possibly chicken by September to further curb retail inflation.
