DA expands metro rice program

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Sunday disclosed that it has expanded its Rice-for-All program, making affordable rice more accessible to Filipinos in Metro Manila.

The program — which aims to provide affordable rice options amid persistently high prices — now includes four additional public markets in Metro Manila where consumers can purchase well-milled rice at P40 per kilo.

The new locations are Larangay Public Market in Dagat-Dagatan, Caloocan; Phase 9 Bagong Silang Market, Caloocan; Cloverleaf Market, Balintawak, Quezon City; and New Marulas Public Market, Valenzuela City.

KADIWA ng Pangulo rice kiosks in these markets began selling the P40 rice on Saturday. The kiosks will operate daily from 4 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on 24 and 25 December, 30 and 31 December 2024 and 1 January 2025.

The DA has also opened new KADIWA kiosks offering P29 rice at Kamuning Market in Quezon City, Pasay City Public Market and New Las Piñas City Market.

Launched in August, the Rice-for-All program seeks to provide affordable rice options to the public.

“The DA is working closely with market leaders to expand the program further, with plans to establish more KADIWA ng Pangulo kiosks across Luzon and eventually nationwide,” said Agriculture Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra, who oversees the KADIWA program.

The expansion of the Rice-for-All program is part of the government’s efforts to address the rising cost of living and ensure food security for Filipino families.