The Department of Agriculture (DA) seeks a partnership with the country’s major retail chains to expand availability of affordable rice across the country.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. met with representatives from supermarkets, groceries, and convenience stores on Tuesday to discuss a government-led initiative aimed at stabilizing rice prices and improving access for Filipino households.

With over 3,200 retail outlets, including SM, Robinsons, 7-Eleven, Puregold, and MerryMart, the DA sees these networks as crucial in reaching millions of consumers daily. “This is a solution that we believe will stabilize rice prices faster and more efficiently,” Sec. Tiu Laurel said. “But we need to find the right balance to operationalize this properly and secure everyone’s cooperation.”

The program will be piloted in Metro Manila, where rice prices remain high despite tariff reductions and falling global rates. It features two key components: 1) P29 Rice – Aging stocks from the National Food Authority (NFA) for vulnerable sectors; and 2) Rice-for-All (RFA) Program – Offering various rice grades, including RFA5 (5% broken), RFA25 (25% broken), and RFA100 (100% broken), or Sulit Rice.

Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), a government-owned corporation, will handle the supply and packaging of rice distributed through participating retail chains.

The KADIWA ng Pangulo program, which promotes food security and affordable prices, has been pivotal in addressing rising food costs. By collaborating with retail networks, the DA aims to make a long-term impact on stabilizing rice prices nationwide, especially in urban areas where fluctuations are more pronounced.

Sec. Tiu Laurel said the pilot initiative will be monitored over several months before potential expansion to other regions facing similar challenges. The DA is optimistic that this collaboration will serve as a model for future efforts to enhance food security and affordability. ### (Photo by Alan Jay Jacalan, DA-AFID)