Starting May 1, all residents of Cebu will be able to purchase rice at just P20 per kilo, Malacañang announced on Tuesday. This initiative marks a major step toward making staple goods more affordable for Filipinos across all income levels.
According to Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro, the program is open to everyone, not just the vulnerable sectors of society.
“Hindi lamang po vulnerable sectors ang makikinabang… Bukas po, lahat ay puwede pong mag-avail sa Kadiwa stores sa Cebu,” Castro stated, highlighting that inclusivity is at the heart of the program.
The P20-per-kilo rice will be available through Kadiwa stores, a government-backed initiative aimed at providing low-cost goods directly to the public. This rollout in Cebu is part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s longstanding promise to lower the price of rice, a campaign pledge that has garnered widespread public attention.
Castro emphasized that the program is not exclusive, reiterating that “Hindi po pili, kung hindi lahat po ng maaaring mag-avail po nito ay allowed po; hindi po ito limited lamang sa vulnerable sector.”
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has already sought an exemption from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to implement the program despite the 10-day election spending ban in place from May 2 to 12. The Comelec restriction is meant to prevent the use of public funds for activities that could influence voter behavior ahead of elections.
If the exemption is not granted, Castro said the government will respect and comply with the Comelec’s decision. “Kung iyon po ang magiging panukala at polisiya po ni Comelec chair, tayo naman po ay tutugon,” she added.
This move is expected to significantly benefit the broader Cebuano population, especially in light of rising food prices in recent months. While the long-term sustainability of the P20-per-kilo rice program is still under review, its May 1 launch signals the administration’s commitment to food affordability.
As the program kicks off, public anticipation is high, and local officials are preparing for a surge of residents visiting Kadiwa stores across Cebu to take advantage of the affordable rice offer.