President Marcos Pledges to Maintain P20 Per Kilo Rice
President Marcos confidently assured that the government will sustain the implementation of the P20 per kilo rice program until the end of his term. He emphasized his determination by stating, “Watch me sustain it. And then, we’ll talk in May of 2028, natuloy ba o hindi (did it happen or not). We found a way. We found a way to do it.” This statement came during an interview with local media while he was in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The initiative to offer affordable rice at P20 per kilo targets vulnerable sectors through Kadiwa Centers, partnering with local government units (LGUs). Despite criticisms labeling the program as merely a “cosmetic” effort by his administration and claims that it is “unsustainable,” President Marcos remains steadfast in his commitment.
“Yung mga nagsasabi, ‘Hindi, ano lang ‘yan, medyo ano pang – pangpapogi lang ‘yan. Pang ano — pang cosmetic lang ‘yan’ (Those who are saying that it is just a public gimmick, a cosmetic). Well, they’re fair to make that – to have that opinion,” he remarked, acknowledging public skepticism while defending the program’s legitimacy.
How the Government Ensures Sustainability of P20 Per Kilo Rice
The President explained that previous efforts to lower rice prices failed because the system was not ready, and market conditions were different. “We could not do it before. Hindi kaya kasi hindi pa kaya ng sistema. Iba pa yung presyo ng bigas noon (The system cannot handle it before. The price of rice was also different in the past),” he noted. However, recent government strategies, including securing deals with various countries, have helped stabilize rice prices.
“Kahit anong mangyari down the road, nagawa na ngayon natin. Wala tayong ganoon noon, e. Ngayon mayroon na. Kaya’t kaya na nating gawin yung 20 pesos (Whatever happens down the road, we were already able to do it now. We were not able to do so before. Now, it’s here. It means we can bring it down to P20),” Marcos added.
Additionally, the Department of Agriculture (DA) plays a crucial role by selling rice at lower prices, contributing to the overall price reduction.
Protecting Farmers’ Interests
President Marcos emphasized that while providing affordable rice, the government also ensures that farmers benefit fairly from the program. He stated, “And the difference there, that’s what the government is paying for,” highlighting that the subsidy covers the gap so farmers still earn sufficient income.
Expanding Access through Kadiwa Stores
The “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program aims to secure food accessibility and affordability nationwide. Currently, Kadiwa stores located in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Mindoro, and Rizal offer rice at the subsidized price of P20 per kilo. This expansion demonstrates the government’s commitment to making affordable rice available to a broader population.
Despite doubts from some sectors, local experts and community leaders confirm that the program is a significant step toward food security. They observe that the government’s approach — combining international rice agreements and local partnerships — is shaping a more sustainable system.
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