LAUNCHED on May 1, the P20/kilo rice program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and the Department of Agriculture came to a sudden stop as they had to suspend it due to the May 2–12 ban on the distribution of government aid during the election period.
On Thursday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. told media that some 2,500 indigents, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and beneficiaries of the government conditional cash transfer program were able to secure some 500 bags of the P20/kg rice at the launch of the program on Labor Day.
The DA said that every customer were allowed 10 kilos of the cheaper-priced rice.
“May advise si Comelec Chairman Garcia na mula ngayon hanggang May 12, after election na lang yung pagbebenta,” Laurel said.
But do not fret as the program will resume on May 13.
“May 13, ‘yung target natin, Central, Eastern and Western Visayas kasama na rin ‘yung NIR (Negros). Isasama na rin ‘yung Kadiwa centers sa Metro Manila at ‘yung mga areas na nagparticipate during food security emergency declaration, gaya ng sa Bicol, Camarines Sur, Bulacan at iba pang lugar,” he said,
The DA said that they have enough supplies for the program this year at 370,000 metric tons or 6 million bags.
The distribution is expected to last until December, as they plan to extend it until the end of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s term in 2028.
President Marcos Jr., earlier vowed as a campaign promise to have rice being sold at P20/k.
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