More Kadiwa stores to sell P29 per kilo rice nationwide – DA

Filipino households may expect the availability of rice that cost P29 per kilo, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA), as additional Kadiwa Stores are being set up in various areas nationwide. 

“Matagal nang plano na palawigin ang P29 (per kilo of rice) program. Ngayong araw nagsimula na tayo sa Bacoor, San Pedro, Laguna at Cavite. Sa Agosto, magsisimula na sa Visayas at Mindanao. Base sa plano, by November mas malawak pa,” said DA Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa on Darlene Cay’s report on "24 Oras." 

(There have long been plans to extend the P29 (per kilo of rice) program. Today, we started in Bacoor, San Pedro, Laguna, and Cavite. In August, it will start in Visayas and Mindanao. Based on the plan, by November it will be even wider.)

When the program was launched on July 5, 2024, the P29 per kilo well-milled rice was only available from 10 Kadiwa sites in Metro Manila and Bulacan. 

The DA said it aims to extend its trial period from just six months to one year.

“We want to get critical information sa challenges sa demand, supply, logistics at admin concerns. The past three weeks, nakita ang concerns. Like saan dapat maglagay ng maraming supply,” said De Mesa. 

(We want to get critical information on challenges in demand, supply, logistics, and admin concerns. In the past three weeks, the concerns were seen. Like where to put a lot of supply.)

The P29 program, the DA said, is only available to 4Ps members, senior citizens, PWDs, and single parents. 

Meanwhile, De Mesa added that consumers may expect a decrease in rice prices in August due to the implementation of Executive Order 62 which lowered the tariff on imported rice.

“(Sa) August mararamdaman talaga, yung pumasok na sa mga palengke. Possible P6-7 pesos reduction. Within July, of course may lumalabas na ‘yan pero hindi ganoon karami, so unti-unti pa lang dumarating yan sa mga palengke,” the assistant secretary added. 

(By August, it can be felt, the one that has entered the markets. A possible P6-7 pesos reduction. Some may be coming out within July but it’s not that much, so it's still coming to the markets little by little.)

Some groups of farmers and agriculture groups are criticizing EO 62 as this is a loss for the local farmers.

Still, DA previously noted that the importation of rice may be delayed, or importers may hesitate if the implementation of EO 62 is stopped. — Sherylin Untalan/BAP, Integrated News