The Department of Agriculture (DA) expanded its P20 per kilo rice program in this mountain city, staging a special distribution during the Panagbenga Festival to reach more low-income households.

Around 500 beneficiaries from priority sectors received subsidized rice in a rollout held in front of City Hall on 27 February. Recipients included senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program members, indigent families, minimum wage earners, transport workers, teachers and farmers.

Regular distribution in Baguio continues at the National Food Authority warehouse in Loakan, operated by Food Terminal Inc., serving qualified beneficiaries on weekdays. The DA will also expand access through the KADIWA ng Pangulo Store at the Slaughterhouse Compound in Sto. Niño to ease congestion and widen coverage.

Under program rules, beneficiaries from vulnerable sectors may buy up to 30 kilograms per month, while other eligible groups may purchase up to 10 kilograms monthly.

As of 27 February, more than 18,000 households in Baguio have already availed of the P20 rice. Another 500 families are expected to benefit in a follow-up rollout scheduled on 3 March by the DA-Cordillera Administrative Region office.