DA: P20/K rice in Mindanao by July

MANILA, Philippines — The P20-a-kilo rice program will be available in Mindanao by July, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said yesterday.

Zamboanga del Norte, Basilan, Cotabato City, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Davao Oriental, Sorsogon and Maguindanao del Norte are included in the program’s phase two, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.

One of the highest poverty incidences in the country has been recorded in Zamboanga del Norte at 37.7 percent, he noted.

Phase three will begin by September in Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Norte, Catanduanes, Agusan del Sur, Sarangani and Dinagat Island, Tiu Laurel said.

The DA will meet with Cebu Governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro and other newly elected officials in pilot areas, he said.

Negros Oriental, Samar, Eastern Samar, Eastern Samar, Negros Occidental, Northern Samar, Leyte, Bohol, Antique, Cebu, Iloilo, Capiz, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Guimaras, Siquijor and Aklan were part of the program’s first phase.

In a podcast posted yesterday on YouTube, President Marcos addressed critics of the rice program, saying the administration must improve rice production and address rice smuggling and hoarding, among others.