By Leilanie Adriano

LAOAG CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the National Food Authority (NFA) in Ilocos Norte are preparing to roll out the PHP20/kilo rice to marginalized earners.

Janelyn Martin, head of DOLE-Ilocos Norte, told the Philippine News Agency on Monday that coordination is now ongoing with private establishments for the implementation of the program this month.

“Coordination meeting is now ongoing and we shall be ready to launch the program this month,” Martin said.

The total number of beneficiaries of the program in the province has yet to be determined, she added.

The upcoming rollout is part of the promise of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to provide affordable yet quality rice at PHP20/kilo to some 15 million beneficiaries from vulnerable sectors nationwide.

For his part, NFA-Ilocos Norte manager Jonathan Corpuz said in a phone interview on Monday, the rice agency is just waiting for DOLE’s go signal to roll out the program.

He assured that the NFA has sufficient stock both in palay and rice for the initiative.

“Our stockpile is still counting because we have an ongoing milling operation and procurement,” Corpuz said.

NFA-Ilocos Norte has a total procurement target of 320,000 bags this year, with a buying price of PHP23/kilo. (PNA)

Published Date: July 14, 2025