Government Programs Remain Steady Despite Election Results
Malacañang has confirmed that government initiatives, especially the P20 per kilo of rice program, will continue without disruption regardless of the outcomes of Eleksyon 2025. This assurance came amid concerns about the program’s implementation in the Visayas region following the recent election results.
During a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro was asked if the government foresees any challenges in continuing the P20 per kilo of rice program after Gwendolyn “Gwen” Garcia lost the Cebu gubernatorial race.
“Hindi po natin nakikita na ito ay makakaapekto dahil tandaan natin, ang serbisyo naman po sino man po ang nakaluklok diyan ay para sa taumbayan so hindi po dapat gamiitn kung nanalo o natalo ang mga kandidato,” Castro stated.
(We don’t see that this will affect the program since our service, whoever is sitting there, should be for the public.)
She further emphasized that the program is designed for the welfare of the people. “Ito po ay para sa taumbayan so dapat po sana ang lahat ng maaaring makatulong sa kanilang mga constituents ay maging bukas ang kanilang isip, bukas ang kanilang puso sa pagtaguyod ng mga programang ito,” she added.
(This is for the public, so all who can help their constituents should be open-minded and willing to support these programs.)
P20 Per Kilo Program: A Priority Despite Political Shifts
Garcia, a known ally of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., has been a strong supporter of the P20 per kilo rice program, which was initially piloted in the Visayas. Despite her loss to Pam Baricuatro, whose campaign focused on improving healthcare in Cebu, the program’s continuity remains a priority.
Baricuatro has expressed openness to collaborate with Garcia, assuring that there is no intention to discontinue any of the existing projects.
Funding and Expansion of the Rice Subsidy Initiative
The Department of Agriculture reported that President Marcos has allocated P4.5 billion from his contingency fund to back the pilot implementation of the rice subsidy. Furthermore, the President has instructed the DA to sustain the program until the end of his term in 2028.
In addition to the Visayas pilot, the P20 per kilo of rice program is also running in 12 Kadiwa ng Pangulo centers located in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, expanding its reach to more Filipinos in need.
For more updates on Eleksyon 2025 and related government programs, visit Filipinokami.com.