The Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to rollout the KADIWA ng Pangulo’s Rice-for-All program to select public markets in the National Capital Region to provide affordable rice options for consumers and help curb high retail prices.

“The DA, in partnership with the Food Terminal Inc., will deploy KADIWA ng Pangulo kiosks in major public markets, including MRT and LRT stations. These kiosks will offer Rice-for-All at an affordable price of P40 per kilo, available from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM,” said Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra, head of the KADIWA program.

Initially priced at P45 per kilo, grains sold under the Rice-for-All program has been reduced to P43 recently. The price will be reduced further starting Thursday to a more affordable rate of P40 a kilo as part of efforts to shield consumers from inflationary pressures.

“Currently, we are coordinating with the following major markets in NCR for the rollout: Kamuning Market, Malabon Central Market, New Las Piñas City Public Market, Pasay City Public Market, Balintawak Market, Cartimar Market, Pateros Grace Marketplace, Maypajo Public Market, Paco Market,” Asec Guevarra said.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. ordered the deployment of KADIWA ng Pangulo kiosks to major public markets to force rice retailers and unscrupulous traders who refuse to pass onto consumers the benefit of lower rice prices. “We plan to expand this program to other parts of the country where prices of rice remain high, a situation that borders on profiteering,” he said.

Secretary Tiu Laurel said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had earlier approved an additional budget of P5 billion to support the P29 and Rice-for-All programs.

This initiative underscores the DA’s commitment to ensuring food security and stabilizing rice prices across Metro Manila.

Published Date: December 4, 2024