By Bernard Ceasar Susbilla.

BACOLOD CITY (PIA) — Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson has confirmed the rollout of the P20 per kilogram rice program in the province. 

Lacson said that Department of Agriculture (DA) officials iron out the program’s guidelines in selling rice at P20 per kilogram to indigent Filipinos, who are allowed to purchase up to 30 kilograms per month. 

“They will discuss the mechanics of how to go about this proposal to sell rice… I just talked with Gov. Toto Defensor of Iloilo and he confirmed that it is the proposal,” he added. 

Lacson clarified, however, that while the program intends to immediately make affordable rice accessible in the Visayas, the DA and local governments are working closely to identify the source of funds for the subsidy. 

He noted rice subject for selling at P20 per kilogram originally costs P33, and the P13 will be subsidized by the national and the local governments, with a share of P6.50 each. 

For his part, DA-Negros Island Region (NIR) Regional Executive Director Albert Barrogo assured the public that this rice is of decent quality and not from their old stocks.

“The quality of the P20/kg rice is assured since we will buy the rice from NFA (National Food Authority) at P33/kg, so it is expected that the age of rice is between 0-3 months old,” Barrogo said. 

The P20 per kilogram rice program, with pilot implementation in the Visayas, is a hallmark initiative of the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the guidance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 

Originally intended to last only until December this year, President Marcos has instructed the DA to revisit the plan and ensure its sustainability until the end of his term in 2028. 

Through the P20 per kilogram program, high-quality quality yet affordable rice will be sold at KADIWA centers or by LGUs at their respective communities, making this new rice option available to Filipino households. (BPS/PIA Negros Occidental)

Published Date: April 30, 2025