Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. launched a convergence initiative that will allow families of nearly 12,000 undernourished children across the province to purchase rice at only P20 per kilo.
The initiative, part of the governor’s “SiPag at TiyaGa for MoRProGRes sa Bagong Pilipinas” program, directly supports the national goal of zero hunger and aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to make rice more affordable to Filipinos.
Based on 2024 data from the Department of Health’s Operation Timbang Plus, 11,776 children aged 0 to 59 months in Iloilo are undernourished.
These children, all enrolled under the province’s ART Response nutrition program, will be the first beneficiaries of the P20 rice, which will be sold through KADIWA ng Pangulo centers and government-accredited outlets in cities and municipalities.
“Rice is the most basic source of nutrition for Filipino families. Making it more affordable is not just an economic strategy—it’s a health intervention,” Defensor emphasized during the launch on April 28.
To complement this short-term hunger mitigation, the province will also roll out long-term measures such as an intensified hybrid rice production program, enhanced farming support through the SERBISYO platform, and financial assistance for vulnerable families via state-funded programs.
Defensor clarified that the implementation of the P20 per kilo rice subsidy will begin after the elections, following consultations with local stakeholders to ensure operational viability and sustainability.
The program was launched with key national and regional officials in attendance, reinforcing the province’s commitment to integrating agriculture and public health for lasting progress.