DA rolls out P40/kilo Kadiwa rice at major NCR public markets

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is rolling out its Kadiwa ng Pangulo Rice-for-All program, where it sells rice at a lower rate, at major public markets in the National Capital Region (NCR).

“The DA, in partnership with the Food Terminal Inc., will deploy Kadiwa ng Pangulo kiosks in major public markets, including MRT and LRT stations. These kiosks will offer Rice-for-All at an affordable price of P40 per kilo, available from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,” said DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra, head of the Kadiwa program.

The Rice-for-All program was aimed at providing affordable rice options for consumers and help curb high retail prices.

The program initially sold rice at P45 per kilo and has been reduced to P43 per kilo.

The DA said the price will be reduced further starting Thursday to a P40 per kilo as part of efforts to shield consumers from inflationary pressures.

"Currently, we are coordinating with the following major markets in NCR for the rollout: Kamuning Market, Malabon Central Market, New Las Piñas City Public Market, Pasay City Public Market, Balintawak Market, Cartimar Market, Pateros Grace Marketplace, Maypajo Public Market, Paco Market,” Guevarra said.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. ordered the deployment of Kadiwa ng Pangulo kiosks to major public markets to force rice retailers and unscrupulous traders who refuse to pass onto consumers the benefit of lower rice prices. 

“We plan to expand this program to other parts of the country where prices of rice remain high, a situation that borders on profiteering,” Tiu Laurel said.

The Agriculture chief said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had earlier approved an additional budget of P5 billion to support the P29 and Rice-for-All programs.

This initiative underscores the DA’s commitment to ensuring food security and stabilizing rice prices across Metro Manila, according to Tiu Laurel.

—VAL, GMA Integrated News