DA expands P20-rice program to Baguio

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) said it has expanded the implementation of its flagship food security initiative, the P20 Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!’ Rice Project, to Baguio City.

According to the DA, the project was first rolled out in Baguio during the city’s Panagbenga Festival, benefiting at least 500 households from various vulnerable sectors.

READ: DA ramps up P20-per kilo rice retailing program

“The activity forms part of the national government’s continuing efforts to ensure affordable and accessible rice for vulnerable sectors, while reinforcing food security interventions across the country,” the DA said.

According to the DA, the P20 rice is currently being distributed at the National Food Authority (NFA) warehouse in Loakan, serving qualified beneficiaries from Mondays to Fridays, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

But the DA plans to further improve access to the project, saying it will soon tap the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Store in Sto. Niño, Baguio City to start selling the P20 rice on a regular schedule.

“This additional outlet is expected to help decongest distribution points and expand the program’s reach to more eligible beneficiaries,” said DA.

Under the program guidelines, beneficiaries from vulnerable sectors may purchase up to 30 kilograms of rice per month, while other eligible sectors may purchase up to 10 kilograms per month.

Meanwhile, the DA also announced that the Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR) Regional Field Office is also set to conduct another rollout on March 3, 2026, with an additional 500 households expected to benefit from the program. /jpv