PBBM vows to sustain P20/kilo rice program until 2028

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. vowed to sustain the P20 per kilo rice program until May 2028, despite criticisms questioning its viability.

He acknowledged that some critics have labeled the project as 'cosmetic' and 'unsustainable'.

Marcos stated that his administration has found a way to ensure affordable rice remains accessible to many Filipinos through price stabilization efforts and deals with rice-producing countries.

He mentioned that the government has actively pursued rice smugglers and hoarders, while also implementing reforms to boost local production.

The President noted that previous attempts to implement such a program were not possible due to different circumstances and the prevailing rice price situation.

The government aims to allocate P3.5 billion to P4.5 billion to subsidize the program, which was announced in April by the Department of Agriculture to enhance poor households' access to rice and decongest National Food Authority (NFA) warehouses.