By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
Everyone, regardless of income status, will be eligible to purchase rice at P20 per kilo on May 1 in Cebu province as part of the government’s pilot rollout of its rice subsidy program through Kadiwa stores, Malacañang announced Wednesday.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the initial offering will not be limited to indigent or vulnerable sectors but will be made available to the general public during its launch in Cebu.
“Hindi lamang po vulnerable sectors ang makikinabang. Bukas po, lahat ay puwede pong mag-avail sa Kadiwa stores sa Cebu,” Castro said in a Palace press briefing.
“Hindi po pili, kung hindi lahat po ng maaaring mag-avail po nito ay allowed po; hindi po ito limited lamang sa vulnerable sector,” she added.
The Department of Agriculture announced last week the rollout of the P20/kg rice in Visayas following a closed-door meeting in Cebu between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and 12 governors from all four regions in the Visayas.
Under the program, indigent Filipino families are eligible to buy the P20/kg rice up to 10 kg weekly or a total of 40 kg every month. However, the May 1 launch opens the benefit to all residents for that day only.
The P20/kg rice is among the campaign promises of the President.
