P20/kg rice program launched in Cebu, delivering on presidential promise | Pinakabagong Balita sa Pilipinas

P20/kg rice program launched in Cebu, delivering on presidential promise — LABOR DAY GIFT Rice is sold at P20 per kilo on the Cebu Capitol grounds as DA launches the affordable rice program in the province on May 1.—DA Centra...

LABOR DAY GIFT Rice is sold at P20 per kilo on the Cebu Capitol grounds as DA launches the affordable rice program in the province on May 1.—DA Central Visayas/Facebook

LABOR DAY GIFT Rice is sold at P20 per kilo on the Cebu Capitol grounds as DA launches the affordable rice program in the province on May 1.—DA Central Visayas/Facebook

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Fulfilling a longstanding promise made by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Cebu provincial government, led by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, officially launched the P20 per kilogram rice program in Cebu on Labor Day, offering affordable rice to Cebuanos during challenging times.

Cebuanos flocked to the provincial capitol where rice was made available at P20/kg, with buyers presenting a government-issued ID to avail of up to 10 kilos per household.

The initiative marks the first full-scale implementation of President Marcos’ vision to lower rice prices and uplift Filipino families.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Garcia, and Vice Governor Hilario Davide III were present to mark this milestone.

“Today, Labor Day, we fulfill a promise made three years ago by President Bongbong Marcos to the Filipino people: to bring down the price of rice to P20 per kilo. That promise is now a reality—benteng bigas, meron na! (With just P20, you can already buy rice!)” Laurel said.

The program demonstrates a strong partnership between national and local governments in addressing the urgent need for food affordability. Under the arrangement, the DA supplies the rice while the province ensures local distribution to the people.

While the Commission on Elections (Comelec) previously raised general advisories concerning election-related spending, Garcia and Laurel said that the rice program is a continuation of a national government initiative and an essential service amid rising living costs.

READ:National sale of P20/kg rice still lacking Comelec approval

The Visayas region was selected as the pilot site due to its higher-than-average poverty incidence rate, with an estimated 800,000 households—or four million individuals—expected to benefit from the program until December.

In other regions, such as Iloilo and Eastern Visayas, preparations for the rollout are still underway.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. confirmed logistical and procurement steps are ongoing, while DA-8 in Eastern Visayas is awaiting final guidelines for implementation.

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Garcia’s leadership and swift action ensured that Cebu became the first in the country to deliver on the President’s P20/kg rice commitment—proof of her unwavering dedication to serve and uplift the lives of every Cebuano.

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