DA launches 'Rice for All' program Friday, subsidizing rice at PHP45-48/kg

The Department of Agriculture (DA) plans to launch the 'Rice for All' program on Friday, providing subsidized rice at PHP45/kg to PHP48/kg via KADIWA stores.

Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa announced that the program will initially target vulnerable sectors and may be expanded to include construction workers and drivers who have clamored for access to cheaper rice.

Three additional Kadiwa stores in Malabon, Navotas, and Marikina are set to open this week under the P29 program, benefiting members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), senior citizens, solo parents, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Next week, the DA will expand its P29 program to Metro Manila's nearby provinces including Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas, in addition to existing sites such as Quezon City, Manila, Taguig City, Las Piñas, Marikina, Caloocan, Valenzuela, and San Jose del Monte.

The DA aims to extend both the P29 and Rice for All programs to Visayas and Mindanao by August, collaborating with local government units to ensure sustainable implementation until the end of President Marcos Jr.'s term.