Affordable Rice Now Available at More Public Markets in Metro Manila

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has broadened its Rice-for-All initiative, bringing affordable rice to more residents of Metro Manila. The program, which started in August, now includes four additional public markets where Filipinos can purchase well-milled rice at PHP40 per kilo. The newly added markets are Larangay Public Market in Dagat-Dagatan, Caloocan; Phase 9 Bagong Silang Market, Caloocan; Cloverleaf Market in Balintawak, Quezon City; and New Marulas Public Market in Valenzuela City. Sales of the affordable rice at these locations commenced on Saturday through KADIWA ng Pangulo rice kiosks, which will be open daily from 4 a.m. to 6 p.m., with closures on specific holidays in December 2024 and January 2025. Furthermore, new KADIWA kiosks selling rice at PHP29 per kilo have been established at Kamuning Market in Quezon City, Pasay City Public Market, and New Las Piñas City Market. The DA aims to combat high rice prices through this program and plans to extend it across Luzon and eventually nationwide, as stated by Agriculture Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra, who is in charge of the KADIWA program.