The Department of Agriculture (DA) signed separate agreements with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) to expand the P20 rice program.

Under the agreement with DOLE, minimum wage earners will be beneficiaries of the subsidized rice sourced from the National Food Authority (NFA) stocks.

“This program is a targeted initiative and will not directly benefit every Filipino, but its ripple effects through stronger consumer spending and economic activity will,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said Monday.

“When workers can stretch their income and farmers earn better from their harvests, the entire economy benefits.”

Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma said the program will use strict targeting to ensure only eligible workers benefit.

“We have issued instructions to our regional directors to coordinate with companies in their areas to ensure that the workers who will benefit are truly eligible or qualified,” he said.

The DA and DOLE will also align the program with the KADIWA ng Pangulo and Integrated Livelihood Program to help labor groups access agri-based opportunities.

Separately, the DA and PCC signed a deal to bring 48 Dairy Box outlets into the KADIWA network. Dairy Box supports smallholder dairy farmers and entrepreneurs.

“The inclusion of Dairy Box outlets in KADIWA expands market access for dairy producers while promoting locally sourced, nutritious products,” PCC official Ma. Theresa Sawit said.

“This integration not only empowers dairy farmers but also uplifts producers across various agricultural sectors by connecting them to national supply and demand channels.”