Guimaras launches PHP20 per kg rice program for 1,000 beneficiaries on July 8

Around 1,000 beneficiaries from vulnerable and poor households in Guimaras will benefit from a PHP20 per kg rice program set to launch on July 8.

Guimaras Provincial Agriculturist Alvin Nava said they are still finalizing the details but initially, they will start with 1,000 beneficiaries during the launch, each receiving up to 10 kilos.

The provincial government signed an agreement with Food Terminal Inc. for the procurement of 5,000 bags of rice from the National Food Authority (NFA) to support around 25,000 households initially and aims to expand it further.

Guimaras will allocate PHP1.6 million as its subsidy share of PHP6.50 per kg, with the national government covering the remaining subsidy to bring the price down to PHP20 per kg.

After the launch, the provincial government plans to position the low-cost rice in every municipality to make it accessible to target beneficiaries.

Governor Ma. Lucille Nava aims to pool funds from other offices to sustain the program and eventually open it up to all residents if possible.