Marcos highlights rising food prices, rice challenge in second SONA

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted in his 2024 State of the Nation Address that Filipinos are facing hardships due to rising food prices, particularly the high cost of rice.

Marcos acknowledged the challenge of achieving his campaign promise of P20 per kilo rice and emphasized ongoing efforts through Kadiwa stores and infrastructure projects.

As of July 28, 2025, Marcos will deliver his second SONA halfway through his term, addressing economic progress and challenges.

The government aims to complete 1,200 kilometers of farm-to-market roads and distribute over 9,300 pieces of farm equipment to enhance agricultural productivity.

As of April 2025, the government had constructed almost 70 kilometers of farm-to-market roads in Region X (Northern Mindanao), with a total of 1,162 kilometers completed nationwide.

The DA is implementing the P27.7-billion Farm-to-Market Bridges Development Program to construct 300 climate-resilient modular steel bridges across 52 provinces in 15 regions to improve rural productivity and market access.