The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Friday that rice prices are dropping in Metro Manila thanks to the successful rollout of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Rice-for-All program. This initiative, a collaborative effort between the DA, local dealers, importers, and wholesalers, aims to make rice more affordable by selling it at PHP40 per kilogram, with a purchase limit of 25 kilograms per person.
The program has effectively reduced the price of rice, with Kadiwa and its retailers offering rice that is PHP3 to PHP5 cheaper than what is available from other market retailers. In response, market retailers are adjusting their prices downward to compete with the lower prices set by the rolling stores of the Kadiwa program.
Distribution efforts have been successful, with 110 sacks of rice distributed at EDSA Balintawak Market in Quezon City, five sacks at New Marulas Public Market in Valenzuela City, and 32 sacks at Malabon Central Market in Malabon City. The Rice-for-All program, now in its seventh day, continues to expand its reach to more public markets as the New Year approaches.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has pledged to support the smooth operation of the program across Metro Manila. PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and order during the distribution to ensure that the program benefits Filipino families fairly and efficiently.