Baricuatro to continue P20 rice program

Cebu Governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro affirmed her commitment to continue the P20-per-kilo rice program, but emphasized that its implementation will depend on the availability of funds.

- Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon Jonnavie Villa Staff Member

This, as the National Food Authority (NFA) announced that over 60,000 sacks of rice have arrived in Cebu as part of the government's push to fulfill President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.'s P20-per-kilo rice program and to supply other public needs.

Baricuatro, in an interview after her oathtaking last Thursday, said that food security is one of her administration's top priorities.

She said she is determined to sustain and expand the initiative to reach more Cebuanos, particularly those in need.

"I want everyone to have access to the P20-per-kilo rice," Baricuatro said, adding it has been her goal to ensure affordable food for all sectors.

President Marcos, together with outgoing Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, launched the P20-per-kilo rice program in Cebu on Labor Day, May 1, 2025. The program is part of the National Government's effort to provide affordable rice to vulnerable Filipinos.

However, the program was temporarily suspended the following day because of the May 12 midterm elections. It was resumed May 13, 2025, immediately after the holding of the national and local elections.

Earlier, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced that the new rice option has aligned with the “Bente Bigas Mo” pilot program, currently being implemented in parts of the Visayas and in 10 local government units (LGUs) nationwide.

Under the initiative, an NFA rice is sold at P33 per kilo to address food affordability amid a declared national food security emergency.

Under the “Bente Bigas Mo” program, the original P33 per kilo price of NFA rice is reduced to P20 per kilo through a combined subsidy of P13 per kilo.