Malacañang on Wednesday emphasized that the revival of the “Benteng Bigas Mayroon Na” program, which sells rice at P20 per kilo, is not an election stunt but a continuing commitment of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure food affordability for Filipinos.
According to Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro, the reimplementation of the program began just days after the midterm elections, with several KADIWA kiosks now offering the low-cost rice in key public markets across Metro Manila.
“This is not just for the elections, as some critics claim. Our KADIWA centers have started selling P20 rice again,” Castro said in a press briefing.
The Department of Agriculture has activated KADIWA outlets in multiple locations including its Central Office, Levi Town and Barangay San Antonio in Parañaque, AmVa MPC Housing in Valenzuela, the Bureau of Plant Industry in Manila, PFCC in Malabon, and the PNP SPD in Taguig.
More outlets have opened in Kalentong in Mandaluyong City, Pasay City Public Market, Agora Market, and the Navotas City Hall.
Starting tomorrow, 32 additional KADIWA centers will offer the P20 rice in provinces such as Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Mindoro, and Rizal.
“We believe that by giving people access to P20-per-kilo rice, the broader market may be influenced to lower prices as well—hopefully without negatively affecting our farmers,” Castro said.
When asked about potential resistance from some local government units, particularly in Cebu, Castro played down the concerns, stating that government services should transcend political outcomes.
“It doesn’t matter who won or lost in the elections. Services are for the people. We hope that all leaders will keep an open mind and heart to support programs that benefit their constituents,” she said.