Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel confirmed that the government allocated P18 billion for the rollout of the P20-per-kilogram rice program in 2026, targeting around 15 million low- to lower-middle-income households nationwide.
Speaking at the sidelines of the 2025 Post-SONA discussions at the Makabagong San Juan National Government Center, Tiu Laurel said the Department of Agriculture (DA) is committed to increasing food production and lowering market prices to ease the burden on Filipino consumers.
“We are on track with all our plans. We will reap the fruits of our labor, and we will feel it by Christmas. The P18-billion rice subsidy allocation for next year will directly support 15 million households,” he said.
The P20 rice initiative is a whole-of-government effort, involving agencies such as the Philippine Statistics Authority, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Government and Department of Labor and Employment.
A mobile app is expected to launch by October, enabling eligible households to register, verify their information and receive a QR code for monthly rice allocations.
The program will offer 10 kilograms of rice per household per month, with priority given to the vulnerable and low-income sectors. Those in the most at-risk groups may receive up to 30 kg. monthly.
Distribution points will include Kadiwa centers, accredited public markets and potentially DepEd-run schools, depending on the locality.
Tiu Laurel said that starting Aug. 13, local rice farmers would be among the first to benefit from the P20-per-kilo rice, available through NFA warehouses and Food Terminal Inc. booths.
“By giving our farmers direct access to affordable rice, we’re helping reduce their household expenses while we work to boost farmgate prices,” he said.
He said only 20 percent of available rice stocks would be sold at P20 per kg. under the program, while the remaining 80 percent would be sold at market prices, currently around P40 to P42 per kg., to maintain supply sustainability without full government subsidy.
