Agriculture Department Set to Expand P20 Rice Program

Affordable Rice Program Launched by Department of Agriculture to Benefit Filipino Families

MAY 14,2025

MANILA (UPDATE) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is officially rolling out its P20 per kilo rice program this Thursday, May 15, through Kadiwa stores and public markets across Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Originally delayed due to the COMELEC ban on government aid during elections, the initiative had a successful soft launch earlier this week. Crowds lined up at participating Kadiwa outlets on Tuesday, eager to purchase the highly anticipated cheap rice.

“Marami po ang nakausap natin at sila ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa ating pamahalaan, kasi yung benteng bigas meron na silang nabibili,” said DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra on Wednesday.

(We spoke to many people and they expressed deep gratitude to the government, saying they were finally able to buy rice at just 20 pesos per kilo.)

According to Guevarra, the rice quality has exceeded expectations.

“Maputi, malambot, maalsa — mukha nga raw hindi bente lang.”

(It’s white, soft, and fluffy — many couldn’t believe it only cost P20.)

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Where You Can Buy P20/Kilo Rice

Starting May 13, rice at this subsidized rate has become available in at least 32 Kadiwa sites and public markets across Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Mindoro, and Rizal. However, the demand has been so high that some areas, like Bagong Silang Public Market in Caloocan, ran out of rice early.

“Sana sa susunod, hindi lang yung price, sana yung mismong supply marami rin,” said buyer Elmer Estarias.

(We hope next time, there’s more rice available — not just the affordable price.)

Agriculture Department-Government Sets P5 Billion Subsidy, 370,000 Metric Tons for Pilot Ru

The government has allocated P5 billion pesos to subsidize the program, with 370,000 metric tons of rice set for distribution during the pilot phase, which runs until December 2025.

The goal is to provide low-income Filipino families with access to affordable, high-quality rice without compromising local farmers’ earnings. The DA says the program may also influence regular market prices over time.

Post-Election Implementation Will Continue

Malacañang reassured the public that the program’s continuity is not tied to the 2025 midterm election results.

“Hindi po natin nakikita na ito ay makakaapekto… ang serbisyo ay para sa taumbayan,” said Press Officer Claire Castro.

(We don’t believe the elections will affect the program — public service must be delivered no matter who wins or loses.)

While Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia, a strong ally of President Marcos Jr., lost her reelection bid, officials clarified that this would not hinder the return of the P20/kilo rice program in Cebu.

Agriculture Department Set Affordable Rice: Relief for Families, Challenge for the Market

With inflation continuing to challenge household budgets, the P20 rice initiative is a significant step toward food security, offering immediate relief to families. Officials also hope the initiative will put downward pressure on rice prices in the open market, without hurting local rice farmers.

“We hope na kahit sa market po ay maibaba nila ang presyo ng bigas nang hindi naman naaapektuhan ang ating mga magsasaka,” Castro added.

(We hope regular markets will also lower rice prices without hurting our farmers.) NOWTREND

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