The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday said that rice retailers in the market are now starting to lower the staple's prices due to the “successful implementation” of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo “Rice-for-All” program across Metro Manila.

The Rice-for-All program is an initiative launched by the DA, local dealers, importers, and wholesalers, ensuring the smooth distribution of affordable rice at P40 per kilo.

Under this program, each person can only avail themselves of a 25-kilogram price limit.

The DA and other stakeholders said the program has reduced the staple’s price.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the rice being sold by Kadiwa and its retailers is cheaper by P3 to P5 compared with those sold by market retailers.

The DA reported that market retailers are currently reducing their prices to keep up with the lower prices offered by rolling stores.

So far, the EDSA Balintawak Market (Southbound, Barangay Balingasa, Quezon City) distributed 110 sacks of rice; New Marulas Public Market (Market Road, Barangay Marulas, Valenzuela City) distributed five sacks; and Malabon Central Market (F. Sevilla Blvd., Barangay Tañong, Malabon City) distributed 32 sacks, according to a government report.

The Rice-for-All program resumed on Friday for its seventh day, targeting more public markets in time for the New Year celebration.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) expressed continued support for the Kadiwa program.

“The PNP remains steadfast in its role as a partner of the government in initiatives like the KADIWA ng Pangulo program. By maintaining peace and order during the distribution process, we help ensure that this vital service reaches Filipino families fairly and efficiently,” PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil said in a statement on Friday.

Marbil noted that the DA’s initiative “has not only provided affordable rice to consumers but also influenced local market dynamics,” making the food staple more affordable to the public.