President Marcos Commits to Sustaining P20 Per Kilo Rice
President Marcos has confidently assured the public that the government will continue providing rice at P20 per kilo until the end of his term. He expressed his determination to find ways to maintain this program despite challenges. “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. We found a way to do it,” the President said during an interview in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
This statement comes amid criticisms that the initiative, which offers affordable rice to vulnerable sectors through Kadiwa Centers in partnership with local government units, is merely a cosmetic measure and unsustainable. Marcos acknowledged these views but stood firm on 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 said.
How the Government Supports Affordable Rice Prices
The President explained that previous administrations could not implement such a program due to system limitations and higher rice prices at the time. However, current efforts have made it possible through government funding and strategic partnerships.
“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),” Marcos added.
He highlighted that by securing deals with several countries, the government has managed to 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),” the President emphasized.
Furthermore, the Department of Agriculture has contributed by selling rice at lower prices, which has helped bring down the overall cost.
Balancing Farmer Welfare and Consumer Needs
Marcos assured that the program does not sacrifice the livelihood of farmers. He stressed that farmers must earn more through this initiative while consumers benefit from affordable rice.
“And the difference there, that’s what the government is paying for,” he explained.
The “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program aims to ensure food security, accessibility, and affordability across the country. Currently, Kadiwa stores in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Mindoro, and Rizal offer rice at the P20 per kilo rate.
For more news and updates on affordable rice price, visit Filipinokami.com.