House backs Marcos' P20/kilo rice program

House Speaker Martin Romualdez has pledged the House of Representatives' full support for President Marcos's P20-per-kilo rice program, hailing it as a crucial step towards food security and economic justice.

Romualdez emphasized that this initiative is not a temporary measure but the start of a national transformation, achievable through political will and sound financial planning.

The House plans to allocate necessary funds for the program's nationwide expansion through the 2026 General Appropriations Act.

Romualdez highlighted that this form of assistance benefits consumers, farmers, and the overall economy.

Discussions are underway to consolidate and align existing government programs, such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and the Department of Agriculture's Rice Program, to establish a unified Rice Assistance Fund.

Furthermore, the House is exploring the possibility of utilizing programs like AKAP and other targeted subsidies to extend assistance to the near-poor and vulnerable sectors.

Currently, the P20-per-kilo rice is accessible at Kadiwa stores in Metro Manila and select surrounding provinces until December 2025 for identified vulnerable groups, including low-income families, senior citizens, solo parents, and persons with disabilities.