The Department of Agriculture (DA) will bring affordable rice to major groceries and supermarkets in Metro Manila, Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said Thursday.
The DA met with representatives from supermarkets, groceries and convenience stores on Tuesday to discuss a government-led initiative to stabilize rice prices and enhance accessibility for Filipino households across the nation.
“This is a solution that we believe will stabilize rice prices faster and more efficiently. But we need to find the right balance to operationalize this properly and secure everyone’s cooperation,” said Tiu Laurel.
He said the DA would work with over 3,200 retail outlets including SM, Robinsons, 7-Eleven, Puregold and MerryMart for the initiative.
It will be piloted in Metro Manila, where rice prices remain high despite the reduced tariffs and declining global rates. It includes the P29 Rice program where aging stocks at the National Food Authority (NFA) will be made available for vulnerable sectors.
Another is the Rice-for-All (RFA) program, which offers various rice grades including RFA5 or 5-percent broken grains, RFA25 or 25-percent broken grains and RFA100 or 100-percent broken grains, popularly known as Sulit Rice.
State-owned Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) will manage the supply and packaging of rice distributed through participating retail chains.
The KADIWA ng Pangulo program, which focuses on food security and affordable prices, has been instrumental in addressing rising food costs.
By partnering with retail networks, the DA aims to create a sustainable impact on stabilizing rice prices, particularly in urban areas where fluctuations are more acute.