DA to expand P20/kilo rice program to 15 million households in 2026

Starting January 2026, the Department of Agriculture (DA) aims to expand its P20-per-kilo rice program to at least 15 million households nationwide, encompassing an estimated 60 million Filipinos.

The program will begin its province-wide rollout in Pangasinan next month, followed by three cities and six additional provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao between January and February 2026.

Purchase limits will be retained, with senior citizens allowed to buy up to 30 kilos per month, while other beneficiaries are capped at 10 kilos.

The DA has allocated P23 billion in 2026 to subsidize the P20/kilo rice program, which aims to curb food inflation, increase access to affordable staples, and support farmgate prices.

Beneficiaries include 4Ps recipients, persons with disabilities, single parents, senior citizens, members of transport organizations (TODA), farmers, fisherfolk, minimum wage earners, teachers, and non-teaching personnel.