DA to pilot P20/kilo rice in Visayas for indigents

Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced a pilot program selling rice at P20 per kilo in the Visayas, targeting indigents including senior citizens and 4Ps beneficiaries.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson expressed support for the initiative despite missing the recent meeting of Visayas governors; Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia briefed him on the program's details.

Agriculture Secretary Laurel will meet with regional directors in the Visayas on Monday, April 28, to discuss implementation mechanics and secure funding.

Lacson emphasized that launching the program may take time due to funding requirements; local governments will subsidize the P13 difference between market rate (P33 per kilo) and subsidized rice price.

Target beneficiaries will be identified at the barangay level with support from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, ensuring fresh quality rice sourced from the National Food Authority.