MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced optimistic projections for the P29 Rice Program, which began its large-scale trial in Metro Manila and Bulacan, aimed at curbing inflation and supporting vulnerable populations. The trial, which launched on Friday, offers subsidized rice to targeted groups, including the elderly and persons with disabilities, across 10 designated locations.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marikina City, rice constitutes 25 percent of the inflation basket, positioning the P29 Rice Program as a strategic measure to impact overall inflation rates significantly. The program was successfully launched amid supportive feedback from the community, with many expressing a desire for the initiative to be sustained.
The P29 Rice Program sells rice at PHP29 per kilogram to specific vulnerable groups on Fridays to Sundays, with each household eligible to purchase up to 10 kilograms monthly in increments of five kilograms. This initiative is anticipated to support approximately 1,500 families weekly per site, totaling around 60,000 households monthly across all locations. Locations include government and community facilities in cities like Quezon City, Manila, Taguig, Las Piñas, Marikina, Caloocan, Valenzuela, and San Jose del Monte in Bulacan.
Additionally, the "Rice for All" program is set to launch for the general public, offering rice priced between PHP45 to PHP48 per kilogram, which compares favorably with current market rates for both local and imported rice varieties in Metro Manila.
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez emphasized the administration's commitment to addressing inflation and achieving rice sufficiency by 2028. He highlighted the importance of the trial in gathering data for a smooth nationwide rollout, aiming to eventually benefit 6.9 million households or approximately 30 percent of the population.
The programs are part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s broader strategy to combat inflation and ensure food security, reflecting a dedicated approach to improving the lives of millions of Filipinos through accessible, affordable nutrition.