Bacolod Allocates PHP13.2M for PHP20 Rice Program

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The city government is allocating PHP13.2 million to support the national government’s PHP20-per-kilo rice initiative, shifting from its original plan to launch a local rice subsidy program priced at PHP33 per kilo.

According to Atty. Marty Go, secretary to the mayor, the original budget was intended for the city’s rice distribution program through cooperatives under the Kadiwa program.

However, after recent discussions with Department of Agriculture–Negros Island Region (DA-NIR) Regional Director Jose Albert Barrogo, the city opted to participate in the national government’s more affordable rice program.

Under this new arrangement, rice will be sourced from the National Food Authority (NFA) through Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), a government-owned and -controlled corporation.

FTI will buy rice at PHP33 per kilo, sell it to the city at PHP26.50, and the city will retail it to the public at PHP20.

Both FTI and the city will equally shoulder the subsidy cost, Go said.

With the allocated budget, the city can procure nearly 10,000 kilos of rice.

Go said they have already informed Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez about the arrangement.

He noted that they are currently processing the purchase order and applying for a Commission on Elections (Comelec) exemption, as required during the election period.

The exemption is expected to be granted in early May, ahead of the May 12 midterm elections.

Distribution plans are still being finalized, with proposals to sell rice either through public markets or barangay-level rollouts.

Go emphasized the need for proper guidelines to prevent hoarding and said the program will prioritize senior citizens, indigents and the underprivileged.

The NFA has confirmed that the rice stock is under three months old and ready for immediate release.