P20 rice is now available in Bacoor, Cavite, following the launch of the government’s affordable rice initiative at the Zapote Public Market. Held on July 2, 2025, the event marked the opening of the 94th Kadiwa ng Pangulo outlet nationwide, a milestone in the Marcos administration’s broader push to deliver affordable rice to Filipino households through direct government intervention.
Around 2,500 residents—including senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, and 4Ps members—are currently eligible to purchase up to 10 kilograms of well-milled rice at just P20 per kilo. This price is significantly lower than current market rates, offering relief to vulnerable sectors amid ongoing inflationary pressures.
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Helping Farmers, Feeding Families
The rice sold under the program is sourced from local farmer cooperatives through the Department of Agriculture’s local procurement program, with the National Food Authority (NFA) facilitating storage and distribution. According to officials, this approach does not only make rice more affordable but also ensures steady income and reduced wastage for farmers with unsold palay.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the broader economic benefits of the model.
“For every sack of rice sold, we remove two bags of palay from NFA warehouses – stocks that are replaced by fresh grain from our farmers. This creates a sustainable market for local producers while ensuring affordable rice for Filipino households,” he noted.
To ensure smooth delivery and transparency, the Food Logistics Action Group under the DA is overseeing sourcing, consolidation, and coordination with local governments, as more areas prepare to replicate the Bacoor rollout.
President Vows Long-Term Commitment
During the launch, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed confidence in the sustainability of the P20 rice program, addressing critics who questioned its feasibility and reach. He made clear that the project was not merely symbolic or short-term, but a key part of his administration’s food security strategy.
“Watch me sustain it. And then we will talk in May of 2028,” he declared, reaffirming his intent to carry the program through to the end of his term.
Marcos has also committed to expanding the program to cover up to 15 million families and signaled that the government may fully shoulder the cost of subsidies by 2026. Bacoor now serves as a model for similar efforts across the country, as the government aims to bring affordable rice and greater food security to more Filipino communities.
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