Families in Sulu can now buy rice at P20 per kilo as the Department of Agriculture (DA) rolled out the government’s flagship rice program to the southern province.

The project, launched Thursday in Jolo, the provincial capital, directly links local farmers to consumers. Vice Governor Abdusakur M. Tan led the ceremonies attended by around 3,000 beneficiaries.

“Each grain of rice sold at P20 carries the labor and hope of our farmers—those who wake before dawn to feed the nation,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said.

Originally piloted in 13 provinces, the P20 rice initiative now covers all 81 provinces nationwide. Set to run until the end of Marcos’ term in June 2028, it targets to benefit 15 million vulnerable families.

The DA said the program not only eases household expenses but also frees up funds for daily needs, better meals, or children’s school allowances, delivering relief to families while supporting local agriculture.