President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to bringing rice prices down to P20 per kilo, saying the government is on track to make the target sustainable without relying on long-term subsidies.
In his new BBM podcast, the President said the goal is being realized through improved rice production rather than artificial price controls.
“We concentrated immediately on the production side,” President Marcos explained.
“In 2023, we had the largest crop of palay in the history of the Philippines. In 2024, we already surpassed that. In 2025, we predict we will surpass that again,” he added.
According to the President, as production increases, the cost of production naturally goes down, which allows the National Food Authority (NFA) to buy and sell rice at lower prices.
He emphasized that this trajectory makes the P20 price point achievable and “sustainable.”
Mr. Marcos also addressed concerns from farmers who fear that lower retail prices could hurt their income.
While some rice farmers reportedly avoid selling to the NFA because traders offer ₱17 to P18 per kilo, compared to P11 to P12 in private markets, the President assured them that the government would not reduce the NFA’s buying price.
“What others fear, when the price of rice is too low, what about our farmers?” he said.
“Whatever happened to the price of rice being sold in our markets, we will not lower the buying price of the NFA. That will never go down,” the president added.
He acknowledged the difficult conditions that Filipino farmers face, describing farming as a physically demanding livelihood that deserves government support.
Currently, P20 rice is available through the administration’s ‘Kadiwa ng Pangulo’ stores, but access remains limited. When asked whether these outlets could be expanded similarly to public health centers, Mr. Marcos said plans are already in motion.
“Currently, we are providing volumes that are sufficient for 51 percent of our population.,” he said.
“Hopefully, we can raise it, raise it to the point where rice for all will only cost P20,” the president added.
He also hinted at reducing local government units’ involvement in the Kadiwa program, noting a proposal for the national government to fully shoulder the operational responsibilities starting next year.
“Eventually, I’m looking at a proposal that next year, there will be no more contribution from the LGU,” he said.
“All contributions will be from the national government,” the president added.
