By: Zacarian Sarao – Reporter

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Friday that it is temporarily halting its P20 per kilo rice program until May 13 or after the national and local elections on May 12.

DA spokesperson Arnel de Mesa announced it after Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair George Garcia suggested the same, following the program rollout on May 1.

“Comelec Chair Garcia advises that from now until May 12, sales will only be allowed after the election,” De Mesa said in Filipino in an interview on Radyo 630.

He also said that last April 30, the DA requested clarification from the Comelec on whether it can continue with the program, but has yet to receive a response.

“Still no reply, which means the DA will comply and we will not sell until the elections are over,” he added.

The DA official said that once the program resumes, Central, Eastern and Western Visayas, as well as the Negros Island Region, would remain as its pilot areas for the program.

De Mesa also said that Kadiwa Centers in Metro Manila and the areas that participated in the food security emergency declaration, like Camarines Sur, Bulacan, and Mati, will also be included.

He also assured the public that the DA has enough rice supply for the program until December, at 370,000 metric tons or 6 million bags of rice.

During the program launch on Labor Day, May 1, De Mesa said around 500 bags of rice were already sold, aiding 2,500 Filipinos.

Published Date: May 2, 2025