Around 2 million individuals from vulnerable sectors in Metro Manila are expected to benefit from the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) P20 Rice Project once it resumes on May 13, the day after the midterm elections.
According to DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra, the program targets approximately 400,000 families in the National Capital Region. With an average household size of four to five members, the total number of beneficiaries could reach two million.
“This is part of the government’s effort to make affordable rice accessible to those who need it most,” Guevarra said.
The project was initially launched in Cebu City on Labor Day by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. but was temporarily suspended following the Commission on Elections’ recommendation to avoid perceptions of political campaigning during the election period.
Starting May 13, rice priced at P20 per kilogram will be available through the DA’s Kadiwa program in Quezon City, Pasay, Mandaluyong, Las Piñas, Caloocan, and Navotas. The program, which connects farmers directly with consumers, will also expand to 32 Kadiwa centers across Luzon in the following weeks.
“These are aging stocks, but they have passed quality control. We won’t sell anything that’s not safe,” Guevarra added, addressing public concerns about the rice’s quality.
The DA is also working to partner with private retailers to further extend the program’s reach and help more families access affordable staple food.
