LINES OF THE TIMES A sizable crowd turns up at the launch of “Program 29,” the latest government effort to make rice more affordable especially for low-income households, at a Kadiwa center in San Andres, Manila, on Friday. Under the program, rice is sold for just P29 per kilo, but only to target beneficiaries like indigent senior citizens, single parents, persons with disabilities and residents covered by the poverty alleviation scheme 4Ps. Their rice purchases are also limited to 10 kilograms a month. —PHOTOS BY MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers welcomed House Speaker Martin Romualdez’ support for the expansion of the P29 rice program that aims to provide affordable rice for vulnerable Filipino households.
The program’s large-scale trial launched on Friday in Metro Manila and Bulacan sells rice at P29 per kilo. Eligible beneficiaries including members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), solo parents, senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) can purchase rice every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with a limit of 10 kilos per household each month.
Speaker Romualdez on Friday expressed his full support for the administration’s rice program, stating that “offering rice at P29 per kilo to our most vulnerable citizens is a vital step in reducing hunger and improving the quality of life for millions of Filipinos.”
READ: Project 29: Agri department to sell P29/kilo rice in ten Kadiwa sites
Deputy Speaker David Suarez, representing the 2nd district of Quezon Province, said that the program will benefit fellow Filipinos during challenging times.
“It shows the administration’s dedication to ensuring every family has access to affordable and nutritious food,” he added in a statement.
Suarez acknowledged Romualdez’ assurance for continued government assistance for local farmers under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF). The Rice Tariffication Law created the RCEF to ensure and improve farmers’ competitiveness and income amidst liberalization of the country’s rice trade policy.
READ: How to reach the full potential of the Rice Tariffication Law
In a statement, more lawmakers joined the support for Romualdez’ stand on the recently-launched trial program.
“With rising global food prices, many families are struggling to make ends meet. The ₱29 Rice Program provides a much-needed relief by making a staple food more affordable. It is an essential measure to help ensure that no Filipino goes hungry, particularly those who are most in need,” Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur 1st district Zia Alonto Adiong expressed.
Representative Francisco Paolo Ortega V, Assistant Majority Leader and La Union 1st District Representative, noted that “by ensuring that rice remains accessible at a low cost, we are not only helping families manage their daily expenses but also contributing to overall economic stability.”
Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales 1st District Representative Jay Khonghun said that the P29 rice program also helps the local farmers in ensuring that they have a steady market for their products. He also added that “by supporting our farmers, we are strengthening the entire agricultural supply chain and ensuring a more resilient food system for the future.”
READ: House amendments to rice tariff law approved on 3rd reading
Deputy Majority Leader and Isabela 6th District Representative Faustino Dy V pointed out the contribution of the rice program in fostering the country’s economy in which he said that “when rice prices are stable and affordable, it creates a ripple effect that benefits the entire economy. Families can plan their budgets more effectively, and farmers have a secure market for their crops.”
1-Rider Partylist Representative Rodge Gutierrez lauded the initiative to help control the inflation and added that “this program ensures that nutritious food is within reach for all, promoting better health and well-being across the nation. It exemplifies our commitment to building a more equitable and sustainable food system for the future.”
Assistant Majority Leader and Nueva Ecija 1st District Representative Mikaela Angela Suansing related the P29 rice program to the recent amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law, citing that “these amendments are crucial in our fight to make rice more affordable for all Filipinos. By refining the RTL, we are directly addressing the root causes of high rice prices and ensuring that the benefits of lower tariffs are felt by our consumers.”
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has recently signed Executive Order 62 for the reduction of rice tariffs from 35% to 15%. Farmer groups then asked the Supreme Court to nullify and void it, saying that it was hastily passed without consultation, investigation, and hearings among affected stakeholders.
Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua is optimistic that the rice program is “ a vital step in reducing hunger and improving the quality of life for millions of Filipinos.