Farmers' group in San Miguel, Bulacan sells rice at PHP32/kg, 4,450kg sold out within four hours

A farmers' group in San Miguel, Bulacan, has started selling rice at PHP32 per kilogram, which was well-received by local consumers on Saturday.

Simeon Sioson, the chairperson of the Lambakin Multipurpose Farmers' Cooperative, said 178 bags containing a total of 4,450 kilograms of rice were sold out within four hours.

The group decided to process their newly harvested palay into rice due to the low farm gate price of PHP14 per kilogram.

Sioson stated that they will continue processing their palay harvest daily until their stocks are depleted to meet consumer demand for cheaper rice.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. recently noted that retail rice prices could range from PHP30 to PHP40 per kilogram, as the government aims to lower food prices and increase supply under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s administration.