The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Tuesday that it is still waiting for the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to finalize its guidance before launching the pilot of the P20-per-kilo rice program later this week.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. explained that while the DA’s initiative was exempted from the election spending ban, local government units (LGUs) involved in the subsidy must also secure Comelec exemptions.
“If we don’t get clearance, we’ll comply and launch after the elections, but we’re hoping Comelec approves it soon so consumers can benefit,” Tiu-Laurel said.
Initially, the P20-per-kilo rice will be available in Regions VI (Western Visayas), VII (Central Visayas), VIII (Eastern Visayas), and Negros Island, areas selected due to high poverty rates and sufficient rice stock. About 800,000 families, or 4 million individuals, are expected to benefit.
Preparations are underway, with the National Food Authority (NFA) directed to transport rice stocks to the Visayas. Under the plan, the government will procure rice at P33 per kilo and sell it at P20, subsidizing the P13 difference equally between the national government and LGUs.
The rice will also be available at KADIWA centers starting May 2.
Nationwide Expansion in 2026
Looking ahead, Tiu-Laurel said the DA targets a nationwide launch by January 2026, noting that the program requires six months of pilot testing to fine-tune operations. He mentioned the development of a software system and a potential buyer’s card system.
Currently, rice prices in Metro Manila range from P39.99 to P58.17 per kilo, according to DA monitoring from April 21–24, 2025.
The program will be funded by a P5-billion contingency fund from the Office of the President, allocating P4.5 billion for rice procurement and P500 million for logistics.