President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said his administration’s target of selling rice at P20 per kilo nationwide is now within reach, thanks to improved harvests and expanded government programs.
In the latest episode of his podcast, Marcos Jr. said the Benteng Bigas Meron Na program—currently available at Kadiwa ng Pangulo stores—is being scaled up to reach more communities.
These outlets provide affordable rice to vulnerable sectors, including senior citizens, solo parents, minimum wage earners, and persons with disabilities.
“Hopefully, we will bring it up to the point that ‘bigas for all,’ it will all be 20 pesos,” the President said.
He added that while the program is currently run in partnership with local government units, the national government may shoulder the full cost by next year.
Kadiwa stores currently supply enough P20-per-kilo rice for 51% of the population.
Marcos Jr. said continued record-high palay harvests in 2023 and 2024 are helping push retail prices closer to the P20 target.IMT
