Rollout of P40/kilo rice at MRT, LRT reset

MANILA, Philippines — Amid traffic and security concerns, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has decided to defer the rollout of rice at P40 per kilo in two stations of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit Line (LRT-1).

The DA granted the request of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to reschedule the event for next week.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary for agribusiness, marketing and consumer affairs Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra apologized for the delay in the availability of cheaper rice at the MRT North Avenue and LRT Monumento stations.

“The MMDA expects that many people will flock (to the MRT and LRT). They want more preparations,” Guevarra said.

The availability of Kadiwa ng Pangulo kiosks selling rice at P40 per kilo will start on Tuesday.

“Based on our discussion (with the MMDA), they proposed that the selling of rice be done outside the MRT and LRT stations. Originally, we wanted the kiosks to be placed in the stations to cater to the passengers,” Guevarra said.

“We want to apologize to the public. The rollout will proceed next week,” she added.

The launching of the government’s Rice-for-All program at five markets in Metro Manila yesterday was successful, according to Guevarra.