The Department of Agriculture (DA) tripled the monthly rice allocation for vulnerable sectors under the Marcos administration’s P29 rice program.
Beneficiaries can now purchase up to 30 kilograms of rice per month—or three times the previous limit.
Senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents and indigents are among the millions covered by the P29 program, which sources rice from the National Food Authority’s buffer stocks.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced during the Trabaho at Serbisyong Pangkalusugan sa Bagong Pilipinas event on Friday in Dasmariñas, Cavite that the policy would take effect nationwide immediately.
“We urge you to take advantage of this policy, which answers the call for greater access to affordable rice, especially for those facing financial hardships,” he said.
The P29 rice is available at KADIWA ng Pangulo stores and centers.
Rice accounts for roughly P9 of every P100 spent by the average Filipino household, rising to over P18 per P100 for the lowest-income families, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The DA launched the P29 program in July 2024 to provide affordable rice to vulnerable groups, later on expanding options with the Rice-for-All (RFA) program, which allows consumers to buy unlimited rice at reduced prices.
NFA prices are now at P43 per kg. for 5-percent broken grains, P35 per kg. for 25-percent broken grains and P33 per kg. for 100-percent broken grains.