The retail prices of rice across Metro Manila have decreased as a direct result of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Rice-for-All program, according to the Presidential Communications Office (POC).
In a statement, the PCO said that the Department of Agriculture (DA) and other stakeholders have confirmed that “the program made a dent in the staple’s price.”
The agency was not specific as to the average decrease in rice retail prices but indicated that retailers have adjusted to match Kadiwa’s prices.
It was explained that rice sold by the Kadiwa and DA-designated retailers is cheaper by P3 to P5 per kilo than those sold by private-sector retailers, thus creating government-spearheaded competition in the local market.
“Market retailers are currently reducing their prices to keep up with the lower price offered by rolling stores,” the PCO reported citing findings of the DA’s monitoring efforts.
Last week, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Laurel Jr. ordered the deployment of Kadiwa ng Pangulo kiosks to major public markets and even Light Rail Transit terminals to force rice retailers and unscrupulous traders who refuse to pass on to 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.
Tiu Laurel revealed that President Marcos 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, he added.
So far, EDSA Balintawak Market (Southbound, Barangay Balingasa, Quezon City) distributed 110 sacks of rice; New Marulas Public Market (Market Road, Barangay Marulas, Valenzuela City), five sacks; and Malabon Central Market (F. Sevilla Blvd., Barangay Tañong, Malabon City), 32 sacks, based on government report, the PCO disclosed.
“The Rice-for-All program resumed Friday, its seventh day of implementation, targeting more public markets in time for the celebration of the New Year,” it said.
The DA rolled out the Rice-for-All program in collaboration with select local dealers, importers and wholesalers through designated public markets in the National Capital Region to provide affordable rice options for consumers and help curb high retail prices.
The program was envisioned to ensure the smooth distribution of affordable rice at PhP40 per kilo with a 25-kilogram limit per person.
