DA launches P20/kilo rice program in Kalinga

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has expanded its flagship P20 rice program to the province of Kalinga in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

According to the DA, Agriculture Sec. Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. himself led the rollout of the program in the landlocked province which has more than 47,000 hectares of largely irrigated farmland

READ: DA sets Metro Manila-wide rollout of P20/kilo rice program

“Kalinga is not just rich in natural resources; it is rich in hardworking farmers who deserve the best support our government can provide,” said Laurel during the launch, as quoted by the DA in a recent statement.

“We are not only distributing rice and agricultural aid but also empowering communities to increase productivity, stabilize prices, and preserve traditional heirloom rice varieties,”  he added.

The P20 rice program aims to make rice more affordable to consumers, all while providing farmers with fair share access.

In addition to launching the program, the DA chief led the distribution of nearly P148 million in agricultural support to local farmers.

Tiu Laurel stressed that both the P20 rice program and the aid are poised to ensure that every farmer, from smallholders to cooperatives, can sustainably grow their livelihoods. /gsg