The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has begun integrating the P20-per-kilo rice initiative into the government’s flagship anti-hunger program, “Walang Gutom,” Secretary Rex Gatchalian confirmed Tuesday.
Speaking during a media briefing, Gatchalian said the move follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for agencies to coordinate efforts in addressing food insecurity.
“The President’s order is that no department without its own should act without coordination with other departments,” the DSWD chief said.
Gatchalian said he met Monday afternoon with Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Roque and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Laurel Jr. to finalize the integration of P20 rice into the food credit system used by “Walang Gutom” beneficiaries.
Under the plan, roughly 1,000 accredited retailers—including Kadiwa stores and small agricultural cooperatives—will be supplied with the subsidized rice, which beneficiaries can then purchase using their existing food vouchers.
“It’s starting now. We already gave the list to the Department of Agriculture, and they are now going to make sure that these retailers receive the affordable rice,” Gatchalian said.
The “Walang Gutom” program provides electronic food vouchers to identified food-poor households, allowing them to redeem basic goods from designated partners.
The inclusion of P20 rice aims to stretch the value of these credits further, providing greater food security for low-income Filipinos.
The timeline for full implementation remains subject to logistical rollout, but Gatchalian confirmed that coordination with the Department of Agriculture is already underway.
