Guimaras Launches P20/Kilo Rice Program With 5,000 Bags

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The provincial government of Guimaras is preparing to roll out its localized version of the PHP20-per-kilo rice program, starting with the distribution of 5,000 subsidized bags to residents.

Provincial Agriculturist Alvin Nava said preparations are underway, including the submission of a draft memorandum of agreement (MOA) to Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) for approval.

“The request has already been forwarded,” Nava said.

“The MOA was drafted with assistance from the legal office, and we’re in continuous coordination with FTI. While the process was previously put on hold due to COMELEC advisories, we’re doing everything we can to fast-track the rollout once we’re cleared to proceed.”

Nava added that talks with FTI began even before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. launched the national push for affordable rice.

The 5,000 bags—each weighing 50 kilograms—will be sourced from the nearest National Food Authority (NFA) warehouse at PHP33 per kilo.

A PHP13-per-kilo subsidy, shared equally by the national government and participating local government units, will bring the retail price down to PHP20.

Governor JC Rahman Nava said the province has allocated funds for its share of the subsidy through the Office of the Governor’s social fund.

Distribution points will be set up in each municipality, and the rice will be sold in 10-kilogram allocations per family once a week.

Final guidelines will be released once the province finalizes its agreement with FTI and resolves logistical concerns.

“Not everyone may need this, but it’s for those who can’t afford to be choosy with rice,” Governor Nava said.

“It’s the right intervention for them. If we have sufficient supply, we may consider expanding it to more families.”

Meanwhile, NFA Region 6 earlier expressed readiness to support the program.

Regional Manager Jasmin Lintag said the agency has 116,000 bags of rice in stock and 1.5 million bags of palay ready for milling.

She also assured the quality of the rice and said they are only awaiting instructions from FTI to begin supplying participating LGUs.