The Department of Agriculture (DA) will launch the KADIWA Rice-for-All program in major public markets to provide affordable rice and address persistently high retail prices.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the initiative responds to the gap between reduced rice import tariffs and high market prices.
“Despite lower tariffs and declining global prices, retail prices remain unusually high,” he said, noting wholesale prices of imported rice are only P37 to P38 per kilo.
Since Executive Order No. 62 reduced rice tariffs from 35 percent to 15 percent in July, the DA has worked with importers and retailers to encourage price cuts, but results have been slow.
“We’ve avoided selling rice in major markets to protect vendors’ livelihoods, but without significant price reductions, we have no choice but to step in,” Tiu Laurel said.
The DA is partnering with importers to offer Kadiwa rice at P42 per kilo, ensuring affordable options for Filipino families while promoting market competition.
The program’s nationwide rollout will involve collaboration with other government agencies under the KADIWA ng Pangulo program, established through a 2023 inter-agency agreement.
Tiu Laurel highlighted the positive impact of EO 62, which has stabilized rice inventories amid growing demand from disaster relief efforts and declining local production due to El Niño and typhoons.
“Without the tariff cut, prices would have been even higher. While prices rise quickly, they drop much slower—if at all. We remain committed to pushing them down,” he said.
The DA’s priority, he emphasized, is ensuring Filipino families have access to affordable rice, despite ongoing challenges.
