Romualdez: P20/kilo rice program marks fulfillment of Marcos’ promise

CEBU, Philippines — Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has highlighted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fulfillment of his pledge to make rice more affordable for Filipinos, with the launch of the P20 per kilo rice program.

“This is not a one-time rollout. This is the beginning of a national transformation. President Marcos is showing us that with political will and smart budgeting, P20 per kilo of rice is not just possible—it’s happening,” said Romualdez, who represents the first district of Leyte.

Over the weekend, the Speaker welcomed the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) implementation of the initiative, describing it as “a major first step toward food security and economic justice for Filipino families.”

Romualdez emphasized that the House of Representatives is fully behind the program and is already preparing to institutionalize it through the 2026 national budget, ensuring it becomes a long-term policy rather than a short-lived pilot effort.

“We will allocate the necessary funds to scale this program nationwide through the 2026 General Appropriations Act. This kind of ayuda (financial aid) uplifts everyone—consumers, farmers, and the economy,” he said.

The DA began distributing rice at P20 per kilo in select areas through the National Food Authority (NFA), using locally sourced palay from Filipino farmers. Romualdez said Congress would support and expand this model, ensuring farmers are paid fair prices while low-income families receive rice at subsidized rates.

The Speaker also revealed that the House is studying the consolidation of various government assistance programs—including the 4Ps, Department of Social Welfare and Development’s food aid efforts, and the DA’s Rice Program—into a single Rice Assistance Fund.

“This fund would empower the NFA to stabilize supply and deliver rice at P20/kilo to qualified beneficiaries on a sustained basis,” he explained.

Romualdez further suggested exploring the use of programs like AKAP (Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program) and other targeted subsidies as complementary channels to assist the near-poor and vulnerable.

To guarantee accountability, he pledged that the House, in coordination with the executive branch, would ensure the rice subsidy’s implementation is “efficient, transparent, and protected from corruption or abuse.” He said this will include the use of national ID integration, e-vouchers, and digital monitoring systems.

“No Filipino should go hungry when our farmers are ready to feed the nation. P20/kilo rice is not a fantasy—it’s a question of priority. And it is a top priority under this administration,” Romualdez declared.

He also credited President Marcos for spearheading bold, people-focused solutions to combat inflation and food insecurity.

“President Marcos is turning a vision into action. The ‘House of the People’ stands solidly behind him as we turn this action into permanent policy,” he said. (CEBU NEWS)