Some Metro Manila public markets are now selling well-milled rice at P40 per kilo as part of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) nationwide initiative to provide affordable rice options to consumers and address high retail prices, especially as the Christmas season approaches.
Following Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr.’s directive, the DA has intensified its Rice-for-All program by launching KADIWA ng Pangulo Rice-for-All kiosks in major public markets across Metro Manila on December 5, 2024.
“We plan to expand this program to other parts of the country where prices of rice remain high, a situation that borders on profiteering,” said Secretary Tiu Laurel.
To ensure the program’s smooth implementation, Assistant Secretaries Genevieve Guevarra and Arnel De Mesa inspected various public markets.
KADIWA ng Pangulo Rice-for-All kiosks are currently available in the following public markets: Kamuning Market, Guadalupe Market, New Las Piñas City Public Market, and Pasay City Public Market. These kiosks will operate from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
During the visit, it was observed that some rice retailers in Kamuning Market, Quezon City, are selling rice at P40 per kilo. Meanwhile, in Guadalupe Market, similar sales efforts were noted. At Pasay City Public Market and New Las Piñas Market, supplies quickly ran out in the morning due to long queues.
“Natutuwa naman kami na iyong stall natin na magbebenta ng P40, hindi lang siya ang nag-carry ng P40. Halos lahat sila dito ay nag-carry ng P40. Makikita talaga natin na kapag sinabi natin na magbebenta ng mura ay talaga namang may epekto at sumusunod din sila sa mababang presyo,” remarked Asec. Guevarra.
KADIWA kiosks will soon be set up at MRT and LRT stations, as resolutions from the discussions with the railway management on implementing contingency security measures to ensure smooth operations, especially during rush hours, are underway.
“May mga na-identify sila na spaces where we can put up the kiosks. Kailangan din natin ng storage lalo na kung LRT at MRT, iaakyat mo pa iyong bigas. Medyo maraming kailangan na preparations,” shared Asec. Guevarra, emphasizing the program’s readiness for next week’s rollout.
Apart from Metro Manila, the DA is coordinating with various federations of market vendors to further expand the KADIWA Rice-for-All program nationwide. ### (Kristel Joyce Merle, DA-AFID)
