Incoming Cebu leaders commit to P20-per-kilo rice program

Governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro and Mayor-elect Nestor Archival on Saturday confirmed their support for the P20-per-kilo rice program, a key initiative aimed at improving food affordability across the province.

In separate interviews with DAILY TRIBUNE, Baricuatro said her administration would support the program depending on funding availability.

“I want everyone to have access to the P20-per-kilo [rice],” she said, underscoring her commitment to making affordable food accessible to all sectors. She reiterated that food security would be one of her top priorities, alongside healthcare.

Archival, meanwhile, confirmed attending a meeting regarding the rice subsidy initiative.

"We will participate and take note as what I have understood P10 from Cebu City, P10 from the national government but the moment that we are going to sell it, the money from the city will return," he said.

National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Larry Lacson visited Cebu on Friday to assess stock availability and assure local officials of continued rice supply. According to Lacson, approximately 35,000 bags of rice are currently available in the province.

Initial reports show that 35 out of Cebu’s 53 local government units have already opted to participate in the program.