The government could reduce the price of rice sold at Kadiwa stores if global market trends become favorable, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said he expects a potential adjustment based on market trends, including expectations of India lifting its non-basmati rice export ban and improved production in countries like Thailand and Vietnam following El Niño.
“We will extend (the P29/kilo rice) program for as long as possible and hopefully—supply and global developments permitting—we could even lower rice prices for those who need this targeted government intervention the most,” he said in a statement.
The DA also made an assurance that vulnerable sectors in the country will have access to cheaper rice as it continues to expand the program’s footprint nationwide.
The agency said Wednesday it added Kadiwa centers in Laguna and Cavite to sell P29 rice through its subsidized rice program.
DA Assistant Secretary for Consumer and Legislative Affairs Genevieve Guevarra said the rapid expansion of the cheaper rice program is a “well-considered” action.
“We’re progressing ahead of schedule but with careful planning to maximize the program’s impact on disadvantaged Filipinos.”
Guevarra noted the “overwhelming demand” for subsidized rice from vulnerable sectors like indigents, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and solo parents in the cities of San Pedro, Laguna, and Bacoor, Cavite.
“Other LGUs are requesting that Kadiwa bring the P29 rice program to their areas but we have to do this on a calibrated manner. We want to ensure this program succeeds to extend its benefits to the most number of vulnerable Filipino households.”
The DA said its P29 rice program facilitates the sale of affordable rice sourced from the National Food Authority (NFA).
Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), a government corporation under the purview of the DA, purchases the NFA’s aging stocks and sells them through Kadiwa centers at subsidized prices. The program is now operational in 15 sites.
FTI President and CEO Joseph Rudolph Lo affirmed government support for DA’s initiatives, including the Rice-for-All program aimed at offering well-milled and fancy rice at discounted rates through Kadiwa centers.
“Rice-for-All is already making strides in selected centers, with phased roll-outs planned to ensure its success.”
The P29 rice program targets 6.9 million households, equivalent to about 34 million Filipinos, and is currently undergoing a large-scale trial to gather essential data on demand, supply, and logistics.
“In the first two weeks of the large-scale trial, more than 12.7 tons of rice were sold in Kadiwa centers than to more 25,000 households,” the DA said.
Last Monday, Laurel said the government is banking on Kadiwa stores to reduce food prices and temper inflation.
“[Kadiwa] ang pinaka epektibong paraan para ma-stabilize yung presyo at mabigyan ng mas murang bilihin,” he said in a radio interview ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).
He said the department plans to build at least one Kadiwa store per municipality. “Initially, we’re targeting about 300 [Kadiwa stores] hopefully by the middle of next year […] every year magdadagdag tayo and sana by 2027 meron na tayong 1,500.”
Source: Business Mirror
