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Continued planting of rice by Pam noted

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro sets new P20 per kilo price for rice program within the province

,   and  Administrator
3 min read
Continuing the rice planting initiated by Pam (with Pam being referred to)
Continuing the rice planting initiated by Pam (with Pam being referred to)

Continued planting of rice by Pam noted

Cebu Joins National P20 Rice Subsidy Program

Cebu, under the leadership of Governor Pamela Baricuatro, has agreed to implement a P20-per-kilo rice program, officially known as "P20-Benteng Bigas Meron Na (PBBM)," initiated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The program aims to make affordable rice accessible to vulnerable groups by subsidizing the cost of well-milled National Food Authority (NFA) rice, which is normally priced at P33 per kilo.

Details and Implementation

The P20 rice program will see both the national government (through the Department of Agriculture’s Food Terminal Inc. or DA-FTI) and participating local government units (LGUs) sharing the subsidy cost. In Cebu City, for example, the city government and the national government will each provide a subsidy of P6.50 per kilo to achieve the P20 target price for eligible beneficiaries.

Cebu City has confirmed its participation in the program, with the city government endorsing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with DA-FTI to provide subsidized rice to selected beneficiaries. The MOA is under review by Cebu City's City Council as of July 2025. The Cebu provincial government is also continuing its involvement in the program.

The rice is targeted at vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) members. Distribution points include Kadiwa Centers, such as the "Kadiwa ng Pangulo," integrated into Marcos’ broader "Walang Gutom 2027 Food Stamp Program."

President Marcos Jr. has announced plans for nationwide expansion of the P20 rice program, allocating P13 billion to strengthen it, aiming to reach all minimum wage earners across the country eventually.

Current Status

As of July 2025, over 12,000 households in regions like MIMAROPA have already benefited from the program, receiving subsidized rice amounts distributed efficiently through local and national coordination.

Future Plans

Assistant Administrator Aldwin Empaces reported that a review of the terms and conditions of the program's agreement with the local government is currently ongoing. He also stated that those who are not interested in the next six months should dispose of their stocks as there are already available supplies. The mayors of all localities are planning to meet in August to discuss their concerns and make decisions regarding the MOA in each locality.

The distribution of the subsidized rice will be handled by FTI, with the NFA supplying the rice to FTI, which will then be responsible for the distribution to various local governments.

This news marks a significant step in Cebu's commitment to providing affordable rice to its most vulnerable citizens, joining a larger national effort to lower rice prices without harming farmers. However, some sectors continue to call for additional policy measures to protect farmers' income.

[1] Rappler. (2025, July 30). Cebu to join P20 rice subsidy program. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/nation/2922649-cebu-p20-rice-subsidy-program

[2] Philippine Star. (2025, July 30). Cebu to join P20-per-kilo rice subsidy program. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/07/30/2173528/cebu-join-p20-per-kilo-rice-subsidy-program

[3] SunStar Cebu. (2025, July 30). Cebu to join P20 rice subsidy program. Retrieved from https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1951889/cebu/local-news/cebu-join-p20-rice-subsidy-program

[4] ABS-CBN News. (2025, August 1). Over 12,000 households in MIMAROPA benefit from P20 rice subsidy program. Retrieved from https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/08/01/25/over-12000-households-in-mimaropa-benefit-from-p20-rice-subsidy-program

[5] BusinessWorld. (2025, July 30). Rice farmers call for additional policy measures to protect their income amid subsidy program. Retrieved from https://www.bworldonline.com/rice-farmers-call-for-additional-policy-measures-to-protect-their-income-amid-subsidy-program/

  1. The city government of Cebu, in cooperation with the national government, is planning to subsidize rice for vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) members, as part of the P20 rice program.
  2. As the P20 rice program continues to progress, Cebu's involvement in the subsidized finance of rice will contribute to the broader industry initiative led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., aiming to make affordable rice accessible to a larger population across the Philippines.

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