DA expands P20/kg rice program to Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Mindoro, Rizal

Starting Saturday, May 13, Kadiwa ng Pangulo centers in Metro Manila and nearby provinces will resume selling P20 per kilo rice as part of President Marcos Jr.'s initiative to provide affordable rice and support farmers.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced the expansion of this program beyond its initial focus on the Visayas after a review revealed sufficient funding and rice inventories for additional regions.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that vulnerable groups such as solo parents, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and beneficiaries of the government's 4Ps program will have access to subsidized rice at KADIWA centers.

Starting May 15, 32 centers across Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Mindoro, and Rizal will begin selling the subsidized rice, expected to benefit around two million households or about 10 million Filipinos until December.

The DA has also adjusted the monthly limit for P20 rice purchases to 30 kilos per household in response to the expanded pilot run.