By Thelma C. Bicarme

CABARROGUIS, Quirino (PIA) — The provincial rollout of the government’s subsidized P20-per-kilogram rice program remains in full swing, ensuring a steady supply of affordable staple for farmers and priority sectors in the province. 

The program, implemented through the Department of Agriculture (DA) in partnership with Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI), is supported by the National Food Authority (NFA), which oversees procurement, storage, and distribution.

According to NFA Quirino warehouse supervisor Robert dela Peña, the initiative is part of a nationwide effort to cushion vulnerable communities from rising food costs while supporting local agriculture.

Beneficiaries include farmers registered under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), along with persons with disabilities, senior citizens, solo parents, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, and public utility drivers and operators.

He said that to streamline operations, distribution follows a municipality-based schedule, accommodating up to 400 individuals daily. Each town is assigned a specific day, allowing for an orderly and predictable flow of beneficiaries. Adjustments are made when schedules fall on holidays.

Under current guidelines, RSBSA-registered farmers may purchase up to 10 kilograms per visit, with proposals under review to increase their monthly allocation. Farmers may also avail of one sack every five months, while other qualified beneficiaries can purchase up to 30 kilograms per month.

Dela Peña noted that the rice is procured at around P33 per kilogram and sold at P20, with the government absorbing the price difference to make the staple more affordable.

He added that existing rice stocks in Quirino are sufficient to last nearly a month, with only recently milled, good-quality rice released for distribution.

Authorities advise beneficiaries to adhere to scheduled distribution days and avoid arriving too early. Registration begins at 5 a.m., followed by market operations at about 6:45 a.m., while overnight stays at distribution sites are discouraged.

A verification process is also in place to ensure that only qualified residents can avail of the program. The process includes registration, ID validation, payment, packing, weighing, and final release.

Officials have also raised concerns over the misuse of authorization letters, particularly involving the lending of farmers’ IDs. Beneficiaries are encouraged to personally claim their allocations and bring durable containers for their purchases.

The continued implementation of the subsidized rice program reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to food security and social protection in local communities. (OTB/TCB/PIA-2, Quirino/Photo courtesy of PIA Quirino)

Published Date: April 21, 2026