President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has once again voiced strong confidence in the sustainability of the P20 per kilo rice program, one of his key campaign promises.
Speaking on the BBM Podcast, the President highlighted that local rice production is steadily rising, which in turn is reducing the overall cost of production. This, he explained, allows the National Food Authority (NFA) to sell rice at lower prices.
“With higher production, costs naturally go down. That means when the NFA purchases rice, it can resell it at more affordable prices,” Marcos said, affirming, “That’s why I’m confident this is sustainable.”
To further support the initiative, Marcos said the government continues to invest in farming infrastructure—distributing equipment and enhancing irrigation systems to boost output.
He also reassured farmers that even as rice prices drop for consumers, the government won’t cut the buying price of palay (unhusked rice), emphasizing, “We will always support our farmers. The NFA buying price won’t go down—ever.”
The P20 per kilo rice is currently available through the “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” program, specifically for vulnerable groups including low-income earners, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and solo parents. It first rolled out in the Visayas and will expand to Mindanao in July.
While local government units are currently helping fund the effort, Marcos envisions that the national government will fully shoulder the costs by next year.