DA increases monthly rice allocation to 30 kilos

The Department of Agriculture has increased the monthly allocation for the P29 per kilo rice program. Beneficiaries can now buy up to 30 kilos of rice each month. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced this change at an event on Friday. He said the new policy will take effect immediately across the country. Tiu Laurel encouraged people to use this program, which aims to help those in financial need by providing more affordable food options. The P29 per kilo rice is sold at Kadiwa stores and centers. It is mainly aimed at vulnerable groups like senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and low-income individuals. This rice is sourced from the National Food Authority’s buffer stocks. The program began as a trial in July last year at ten locations in Metro Manila and Bulacan to help vulnerable sectors access affordable rice. In August, the Department of Agriculture also introduced the Rice-for-All Program. This initiative initially offered rice at P45 per kilo at select Kadiwa outlets, but it is open to all consumers. Current prices under this program range from P33 to P43 per kilo, depending on the quality of the rice.