Makati, DA roll out P20-per-kilo rice program

MANILA, Philippines — The Makati local government yesterday launched the P20-per-kilo rice program to help ease the impact of rising food costs on vulnerable sectors.

The initiative, part of the national government’s Kadiwa ng Pangulo program, offers subsidized rice at P20 per kilo to priority groups, including senior citizens, persons with disability, solo parents, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps beneficiaries and transport workers.

Mayor Nancy Binay led the rollout at the city hall quadrangle together with officials from the Department of Agriculture.

The program is among the government’s measures to address food affordability concerns.

Makati officials said initial rice distributions were made to selected beneficiaries during the launch, with plans to expand access through public markets and barangays in the coming days.

Agriculture Secretary Francis Tiu Laurel earlier said the initiative seeks to cushion the impact of high rice prices, although questions have been raised over the sustainability and funding of subsidized food programs.

Makati is the third local government unit to implement the program.