Marcos leads launch of P20/kilo rice program in Bacoor

MANILA -- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Wednesday led the launch of the P20/kilo rice program in Bacoor, Cavite, as the government expands the affordable rice program to more areas in the Philippines.

Marcos Jr and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel went to the Zapote Market in Bacoor to personally oversee the rollout of affordable rice to members of the vulnerable sector. 

According to the Department of Agriculture, only senior citizens, solo parents, PWDs, and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries can avail of the P20/kilo rice.

P20 per kilo rice for minimum wage earners launched

The Philippine leader earlier ordered the Department of Agriculture to extend his administration’s  rice program until the end of his term in 2028. 

In an interview, Marcos Jr said that the national government is looking to shoulder the full cost of the program by 2026. This, as he expressed confidence in the sustainability of the program, citing improvements in rice production, better irrigation, mechanization, and research into high-yielding varieties.

“Let's go further. Ang nangyari kasi ngayon, we are in partnership with the LGUs. Eventually I'm looking at a proposal na next year wala ng contribution ang LGU. Ang contribution lahat sa national government,” Marcos said in an earlier interview last June.