News Details

Marcos Reaffirms P20-Per-Kilo Rice Goal, Citing Pilot Program Success

NPO

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August 1, 2025

MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has doubled down on his administration’s commitment to deliver rice at P20 per kilo nationwide, saying the goal is achievable within his term following the successful pilot implementation of the program in several provinces.

In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, Marcos said the initiative has demonstrated that low rice prices can be achieved without harming the livelihood of local farmers. “Sa mga nagtatanong kung nasaan na ang bente pesos na bigas: ito ang aking tugon. Napatunayan natin na kaya na natin ang bente pesos bawat kilo ng bigas nang hindi nalulugi ang mga magsasaka,” Marcos declared, emphasizing that the project is now ready for expansion under the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The program, first launched on May 1 in select Visayas provinces, has since expanded to San Juan, Pangasinan, Cavite, Occidental Mindoro, Cebu, Bacolod, Guimaras, Siquijor, and Davao del Sur. It sources rice from the National Food Authority’s (NFA) buffer stock, with fresh and wet palay purchased directly from local farmers at P18 per kilo, and clean and dry palay at P19 to P23 per kilo. Marcos said P13 billion has been allocated to bolster the DA’s programs and expand the initiative through hundreds of Kadiwa stores and local government-run centers nationwide.

“Ilulunsad na natin ito sa buong bansa, sa pamamagitan ng daan-daang Kadiwa stores at centers sa iba’t ibang lokal na pamahalaan,” Marcos said, noting that the program already operates in 162 Kadiwa ng Pangulo sites, prioritizing vulnerable groups such as indigent families, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and solo parents.

The President also warned traders against hoarding and price manipulation, vowing strict enforcement of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act (Republic Act 12022), which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and heavy fines for smugglers and hoarders. “Hahabulin namin kayo, dahil ang ginagawa ninyo ay economic sabotage,” he said, underscoring his administration’s zero tolerance for profiteering at the expense of farmers and consumers.

While Marcos projected optimism, some farmer groups remain skeptical. The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) argued that claims of improved farmer incomes are “an illusion,” citing rising production costs and stagnant farmgate prices of around P16 per kilo in several provinces. The group reported that a typical Bulacan rice farmer earns barely P4,942 per hectare per season after factoring in land rent, inputs, and loan interest. Critics also flagged the administration’s continued reliance on rice imports, which they say undercuts local producers.

To complement the rice price program, Marcos promised to accelerate the construction of farm-to-market roads and expand irrigation and fertilizer support to thousands of hectares of farmland nationwide. The DA said it is working on sustaining the P20-per-kilo rice initiative through 2028, with the goal of making it a permanent nationwide program within the President’s term.

NPO News Team

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