The Department of Agriculture (DA) is expanding the rollout of its P20-per-kilo rice program across Metro Manila as part of efforts to improve food access and ease pressure from high food prices.

Under the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” initiative, quality rice is sold at P20 per kilo, with priority given to senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, 4Ps beneficiaries, minimum wage earners, transport workers, farmers, fisherfolk and other qualified groups.

The agency said the timing of the expansion coincides with the peak harvest season in several rice-producing provinces, when higher rice output is expected. The program is also seen to help clear National Food Authority warehouses to make way for fresh stocks while addressing temporary supply gaps linked to delayed imports.

On 11 February, the DA and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) met with local government units in the capital to align implementation plans and speed up the opening of outlets.

Agriculture chief Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the department aims to open at least five P20 rice outlets in every Metro Manila LGU.