After delays caused by the May 12 elections, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is finally rolling out its much-anticipated P20 per kilogram rice program in selected areas in Laguna province.
Starting May 15, the DA has started selling P20-per-kilo rice in two Kadiwa ng Pangulo stores in the province.
In Laguna province, beneficiaries can avail of the program at the Santa Rosa City Hall in Santa Rosa City and at the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist in Kalayaan town.
To be able to buy the P20-per-kilo rice, beneficiaries must present a valid identification card proving that they belong to the so-called "vulnerable sectors," such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
Beneficiaries are allowed to buy up to five kilos of rice at Kadiwa stores.
Not a gimmick
The move is in line with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.’s directive to make affordable rice accessible to more Filipinos, Palace Press Office Claire Castro said on May 14.
Castro stressed that the program is a continuing initiative and not driven by political timing.
“Ito’y hindi lamang pang-eleksyon katulad ng sinasabi nila. Bukas na po ang ibang mga Kadiwa Centers natin para po sa bente pesos na bigas,” she said in a press briefing.
Currently, P20 per kilogram rice has been sold at several Kadiwa sites in Metro Manila since May 13.
Through government subsidies, the cost of rice is brought down to the targeted P20 per kilogram, fulfilling a campaign promise by Marcos in 2022.
The program, officially named "Benteng Bigas Meron Na!", was initially launched on May 1 in Cebu and parts of Metro Manila but was temporarily suspended after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) raised concerns over an ‘ayuda’ (assistance) ban 10 days leading to the midterm elections on May 12.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. ordered the suspension to comply with election laws but has since resumed the rollout following the conclusion of the polls.
(With report from the Philippine News Agency)
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonNews #DA #COMELEC #KADIWARice