DA launches PHP20/kg rice program in Cebu, postpones Metro Manila rollout

Starting May 1, the government will offer PHP20 per kilogram of rice at the Department of Agriculture's Kadiwa Center in Cebu as part of the pilot rollout of the 'Benteng Bigas Meron na' program.

However, the launch of the PHP20/kg rice program in Metro Manila has been postponed from May 2 to May 13 following a request by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to avoid potential political misuse during the midterm elections.

The DA will proceed with the pilot launch in Cebu on Thursday as planned, while the initial rollout in Visayas is expected to benefit around 800,000 families or four million individuals.

Each family will be allowed to purchase up to 40 kilograms monthly under the PHP20/kg program, which aims to improve food security and affordability as part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s campaign promises.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that they may increase the number of participating KNP sites in Metro Manila due to anticipated high demand.