President Marcos Launches P20-Per-Kilo Rice Program in Bohol
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — The government has officially launched the P20-per-kilo rice program in Bien Unido town, aiming to provide indigent families and vulnerable groups with access to affordable rice. This initiative, known as the P20-per-kilo rice program, was introduced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday afternoon.
The program rollout took place at the Bien Unido gymnasium, attended by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado, National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Larry Lacson, and other local officials. Priority beneficiaries include Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) recipients, senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, and minimum wage earners.
Rice Distribution and Beneficiaries
Officials reported that the Department of Agriculture (DA) allocated 535 sacks of rice, sourced from local farmers through the NFA, to support the program’s launch. Approximately 2,700 residents were able to purchase up to 10 kilos each at the subsidized price of P20 per kilo. This Bien Unido outlet marks the first in Bohol and the 223rd nationwide.
Alongside the rice distribution, Agriculture Secretary Laurel led the turnover of agricultural inputs and equipment to local farmers and fisherfolk. This effort highlights the DA’s commitment to increasing agricultural production while ensuring the public’s access to essential, affordable food staples.
Expansion Plans for P20-Per-Kilo Rice Program
The DA announced plans to expand the P20-per-kilo rice program starting September 16, initially including public transport drivers. The pilot will cover 4,000 registered jeepney and tricycle drivers in Navotas City. Ongoing discussions with the Department of Transportation aim to extend the program to tens of thousands of drivers nationwide.
President Marcos stayed in Bien Unido for about 30 minutes during the event. Community members like brothers Cornelio Boniel, 70, and Apolinario Boniel, 81, from Barangay Mandawa, expressed their gratitude for the subsidized rice.
Inauguration of Calunasan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project
Earlier on the same day, the President inaugurated the Calunasan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project in Calape town. This P300-million initiative, led by the National Irrigation Administration, features a zoned earthfill dam, canal systems, and support structures designed to irrigate 300 hectares of farmland.
The project is set to benefit around 400 farmers in Bohol by providing a steady water supply, which will boost agricultural productivity and lower irrigation costs. President Marcos emphasized that this project reflects his administration’s dedication to strengthening the agriculture sector and securing the nation’s food supply.
Local leaders noted, “A reliable water supply is key to sustaining Bohol’s role as a major agricultural producer in Central Visayas.” Governor Aumentado welcomed the project as a crucial advancement for Calape’s farming communities, enabling farmers to expand production, stabilize harvests, and improve livelihoods.
For more news and updates on government rice programs and agricultural projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
