Bacolod City Launches P20 Per Kilo Rice Program

BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Albee Benitez revealed on Monday, June 2, that the city government will officially start its P20 per kilo rice program on Thursday, June 5. This rice subsidy aims to ease the burden of inflation and soaring food prices on residents. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. is set to lead the launch, backed by an initial budget of P8 million.

“Everyone is looking forward to this,” Mayor Benitez shared, emphasizing the community’s anticipation. The P20 per kilo rice program is a crucial step in maintaining price stability in the city and helping locals cope with rising food expenses, a major inflation driver.

Addressing Inflation through Rice Subsidy

Mayor Benitez explained that the program is part of Bacolod’s broader efforts to tackle inflation, particularly the sharp increase in food costs. “We have to make sure price stability is maintained and that our constituents don’t bear the brunt of inflation. That’s why we are really pushing for this program,” he said. The city is determined to shield its residents from financial strain by providing affordable rice.

Currently, the National Food Authority (NFA) holds around 9,000 sacks of rice in storage within Bacolod. “We’re taking all of it,” the mayor confirmed. The rice will be distributed to selected barangays and markets using a clustering system. Distribution will follow a first-come, first-served basis, with strict guidelines to ensure fairness and efficiency. However, the city may propose alternative distribution methods to improve accessibility.

Collaboration with National Program

Mayor Benitez noted that this initiative aligns with a national program. “This is a national program. As long as the national program continues, the local government unit (LGU) will support and implement it locally,” he said. Initially, Bacolod planned to offer its own rice subsidy at P33 per kilo with a budget of P13.2 million. However, the city chose to adopt the national government’s lower price for greater impact.

Rice procurement will be done through the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), a government-owned corporation, sourcing rice from the NFA. The subsidy costs will be shared equally between the FTI and the city government. This partnership aims to ensure steady rice supply at a reduced price for Bacolod residents.

Future Prospects and Leadership Change

Mayor Benitez expressed hope that the program could extend beyond the initial phase if more rice becomes available. However, he acknowledged that future adjustments might occur after the newly elected mayor, Greg Gasataya, takes office by the end of June. Benitez is preparing to assume the role of Bacolod’s lone district representative, swapping positions with Gasataya following the May 2025 midterm elections.

Bacolod City Launches P20 Per Kilo Rice Program