DA expands rice-for-all program in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has expanded its rice-for-all program, which sells rice at P40 kilo, to more public markets and train stations in Metro Manila.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, who led the latest rollout of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo kiosk at the Pasay City Public Market yesterday, said the government aims to increase the number of Kadiwa stores in the coming weeks to ensure more Filipinos have access to reasonably priced rice.

“We will continue to expand these Kadiwa kiosks to more cities and municipalities in the coming weeks to ensure that rice prices reflect true market conditions, especially following President Marcos’ decision to reduce tariffs from 35 percent to 15 percent in July,” Tiu Laurel said.

The DA has expanded the program to nine additional locations, which include markets in Caloocan, Quezon City and Paranaque, and in Sampaloc, Manila.

It has also opened Kadiwa stores in key stations in Cubao, Recto, North Avenue and Ayala Avenue.