Government’s Cheap Rice Program Helps Talisay Residents
At least 505 residents of Talisay City in Negros Occidental recently benefited from the government’s cheap rice program. The initiative sold rice at P20 per kilo, providing affordable food options to vulnerable households in the area.
On July 18, buyers were allowed to purchase up to 5 kilos each at the Bigasan ng Bayan. This outlet is a joint effort by the provincial government of Negros Occidental and the Federation of Irrigators Association Central Negros-Bago River Irrigation System (FIACN-BRIS), located at the Talisay Public Plaza, local officials said.
Local Groups Support Rice Distribution
Pedro Limpangog, president of FIACN-BRIS, shared that their group sold 50 sacks of rice, amounting to 2,500 kilos. This supply came directly from farmer-members in Valladolid town, ensuring support for local agriculture.
The same rice was previously sold at the same price in Pulupandan town in June. Limpangog added that they plan to coordinate with the provincial government to identify the next location for the affordable rice sales.
Challenges from Weather Impact on Supply
However, Limpangog noted that the rice supply might face challenges. The recently planted palay crops of FIACN-BRIS farmer-members in Bago City and Valladolid town suffered damage due to heavy rains, which could affect future availability.
Program Background and Purpose
The Department of Agriculture (DA), in collaboration with local governments and rice producers, launched this cheap rice program in the Visayas just before the May 12 elections. However, the initiative was paused after the Commission on Elections raised concerns that it resembled a government “ayuda” or dole-out, which is prohibited during election periods.
After the elections, the program resumed in Cebu, Leyte, Iloilo, and the Samar provinces. The DA emphasized that the program’s goal is to make food more accessible and affordable for vulnerable households, helping ease the burden on families struggling with high prices.
For more news and updates on affordable rice initiatives, visit Filipinokami.com.
