Capitol eyes 20,000 sacks of subsidized rice for LGUs

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Government is moving to expand access to affordable rice by shouldering transport and logistics costs, enabling a larger volume of subsidized grain to reach vulnerable communities across the province.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro said the Capitol is targeting the distribution of at least 20,000 sacks of rice sourced from the National Food Authority (NFA), a significant increase from the initial 2,000 sacks allocated to Cebu.

“We have to make sure that we are food-secure here in Cebu, especially rice,” Baricuatro said.

The governor pushed for the expanded allocation following a visit from NFA-7 Acting Regional Manager Liza Balagot, who recently assumed her post and relayed the initial supply from the agency’s central office.

Baricuatro said Cebu formally requested additional stocks to meet demand from local government units (LGUs) across the province. Balagot noted that more supply may be sourced from Regions 4 and 6 to augment Cebu’s allocation.

To avoid delays and possible spoilage, the governor directed the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) to immediately dispatch rice stocks upon arrival.

Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Roldan Saragena said several LGUs have already signified intent to participate in the program.

“Base sa guidelines namo, mao ni i-submit sa participating LGUs… naa may pre-identified beneficiaries,” Saragena said.

He identified priority sectors as senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, indigent households, farmers, and transport workers.

At least eight LGUs have initially submitted their intent to avail of the rice allocation, along with corresponding volume requests.

The program is being implemented in partnership with Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), a government-owned corporation under the Department of Agriculture.

Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces clarified that the initiative is separate from the earlier rice assistance funded under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF).

He said the LGSF-backed distribution involved direct provision of rice sourced from local farmers and was not intended for sale.

Under the current scheme, beneficiaries may purchase rice at a subsidized rate, with FTI covering the price gap.

Rice procured at P33 per kilo from the NFA will be sold at P20 per kilo, with the P13 subsidy absorbed by FTI.

Saragena emphasized that the arrangement ensures no financial loss for the provincial government, as proceeds from LGU sales will be remitted back to the Capitol.

“Walay nawala nga funds… ang pagkuha didto isunod sa Capitol,” he said.

Distribution will be handled by participating LGUs through selling points within or near municipal and city halls, or via designated KADIWA centers.

Each LGU must submit a purchase order along with a certified list of beneficiaries prior to the release of stocks.

Beneficiaries may purchase up to 30 kilos per month, with a maximum of 10 kilos per transaction. Farmers may buy up to 50 kilos monthly, while fisherfolk are limited to 10 kilos.

Eligible recipients include senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, indigent households, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, farmers, fisherfolk, jeepney and tricycle drivers, minimum wage earners, and Department of Education personnel.

Qualified buyers are required to present valid identification issued by relevant agencies, such as OSCA for senior citizens, PDAO or Department of Social Welfare and Development for persons with disabilities, and certification for 4Ps beneficiaries.

Saragena said rice stocks are expected to arrive within three to four days once logistics arrangements, including a forwarder from Occidental Mindoro, are finalized.

The provincial government aims to roll out the program by mid-April, with an earlier target of April 15, although Saragena said implementation may extend to the latter part of the month.

The initiative forms part of the national government’s subsidized rice program aimed at cushioning the impact of rising prices and supply uncertainties.

Empaces said the effort also responds to ongoing global pressures affecting fuel and food costs, underscoring the need for immediate intervention. — Sandara Laurente, CTU-Tuburan Intern /FPL (FREEMAN)