Negros Occidental Advances P20 Per Kilo Rice Program
BACOLOD CITY – The provincial government of Negros Occidental is set to intensify its efforts in the P20 per kilo rice program, working directly with the Federation of Irrigators’ Association of Central Negros-Bago River Irrigation System (FIACN-BRIS). This initiative aims to provide affordable rice to local communities amid the ongoing national efforts.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson announced on June 9 that the province will start distributing rice this week, beginning with 50 sacks in Pulupandan. “We’re no longer waiting for the National Food Authority (NFA), as we haven’t received word from them yet regarding available stocks,” he said, adding that the NFA is currently prioritizing this highly urbanized city for its rollout.
Direct Partnership with Farmers’ Group
Instead of relying on the NFA, the province is partnering with FIACN-BRIS, a local farmers’ association that previously sold rice at P25 per kilo. Negros Occidental and FIACN-BRIS have an existing collaboration to offer rice at a reduced price at the Food Terminal Market of Occidental Negros (FTMON).
“This is a continuing program,” Lacson explained. “We’re continuing what we’ve started but now at P20 per kilo.” The distribution will begin in Pulupandan and then expand to other local government units (LGUs) through a rolling store setup, ensuring wider access to affordable rice.
Funding and Expansion Plans
To support the initiative, the provincial government allocated over P3 million to subsidize operational costs. This funding helps cover labor, logistics, and possibly fertilizer expenses, allowing farmers to sell rice at a lower price.
“This initiative is direct with the farmers’ group, not through the NFA,” the governor clarified. He added that while LGUs may participate, those wishing to access subsidized rice through the NFA must follow the agency’s procedures, which include a P6.50 subsidy per kilo.
Moreover, Lacson revealed that if the NFA decides to join the program, the province has an additional P7 million reserved to further support rice distribution.
Ongoing and Future Rice Program Efforts
The program is expected to continue throughout June, with hopes of expanding during the harvest season to increase rice availability. “This is a provincial initiative,” Lacson emphasized, highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring food accessibility.
Meanwhile, Bacolod City has already rolled out its version of the rice program last week, initially allotting P8 million to purchase 5,880 bags of NFA rice sourced from the province’s rice-producing areas.
For more news and updates on rice programs, visit Filipinokami.com.