The Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) initiative is set to reduce the price of rice under its Rice for All (RFA) program to P38 per kilogram from P40, effective January 17, 2025, as announced by the Department of Agriculture (DA). This adjustment applies to the 25 percent broken rice, known as RFA25. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel stated that this move comes just before the implementation of a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) of P58/kg for 5 percent broken imported rice, set to begin on January 20.
KNP also offers other affordable rice options, including RFA 5 at P45/kg for 5 percent broken rice, RFA 100 or Sulit rice at P36/kg for 100 percent broken rice, and P29, which is aging but good quality rice from the National Food Authority (NFA) sold at P29/kg to vulnerable sectors.
During a council meeting with Metro Manila mayors, Tiu Laurel discussed the DA’s plans to expand KNP kiosks and stores across all public and private markets in the region. He also addressed issues such as market rental rates, labeling requirements for retail rice, and the upcoming MSRP for imported rice. Additionally, the DA plans to sell NFA rice at P36/kg in all local government units starting in February.
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora expressed support for the KNP expansion and suggested the introduction of mobile KNPs to address the lack of permanent structures in some areas. Tiu Laurel responded positively, revealing that the Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI) has already acquired 24 trucks for this purpose, with plans to rent more. Currently, there are over 20 KNP centers and kiosks in Metro Manila, serving the 150 public and private markets in the area.