By: Dianne Sampang.

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is eyeing the country’s major retail chains to distribute affordable rice nationwide, emphasizing their crucial role in reaching many consumers.

A statement on Thursday said that DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. met with representatives of major retail chains on Tuesday to discuss the initiative.

“This is a solution that we believe will stabilize rice prices faster and more efficiently,” Laurel said in the same statement.

“But we need to find the right balance to operationalize this properly and secure everyone’s cooperation,” Laurel added.

Laurel also said that the initiative will be monitored for a few months before it goes on “potential expansion” across other regions that also experience fluctuations in rice prices.

The DA noted that the initiative will be implemented in Metro Manila, where it will distribute the P29 rice for vulnerable sectors and the Rice-for-All program that offers various rice grades.

The agency added that Food Terminal Inc. will operate the supply and packaging of rice that will be distributed to the participating retail chains.

Last Tuesday, Laurel called for establishing Kadiwa stores in all public and private markets in Metro Manila where P29 per kilo of rice can be sold to vulnerable sectors.

He also said that the National Food Authority will sell rice to local government units at P36 per kilo starting in February 2025.

Published Date: January 23, 2025