More than 115,000 minimum wage earners from nearly 400 establishments across the regions have benefited from the P20 per kilogram (kg) rice program, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The Department of Agriculture (DA) launched on 1 May the P20 per kg rice program, beginning in the Visayas.

Originally intended for vulnerable sectors, such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), solo parents, and 4Ps beneficiaries, the program was expanded to include minimum wage earners through the convergence of the DOLE and the DA.

The joint initiative was officially launched nationwide on 13 June as part of the administration’s broader commitment to making basic commodities more affordable.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma stressed the shared goal of DOLE and DA to expand the program’s reach and ensure its long-term viability.

"We want more people to benefit from it. We want to ensure that sustainability is there. The ultimate dream and goal of the DA and DOLE is to reach all those who need assistance," Laguesma stressed.

"This will also strengthen their ability to purchase the products of our farmers," he added.

Informal workers have also benefited through temporary employment under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program, as they assisted in rice hauling, loading and unloading, and repackaging operations.

A total of 368 TUPAD workers were hired, earning wages based on the prevailing minimum wage in their respective regions. This amounted to over P2 million in total salaries.

As the program continues to reach more workers, DOLE is also strengthening its collaboration with employers and workers to sustain the program and ensure effective distribution of subsidized rice.

The DA is targeting to cover about 15 million households, or about 60 million Filipinos, by the end of 2026.