DUMAGUETE CITY — The Negros Oriental provincial government pledged P15 million in counterpart funding for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s P20-a-kilo rice program starting October.
The announcement came during the “Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat para sa Lahat” event at Negros Oriental State University, coinciding with the President’s 68th birthday.
Governor Manuel Sagarbarria said the program proves the administration’s commitment to serve vulnerable communities. The provincial government will release its subsidy through the National Food Authority to buy rice from local farmers at PHP33 per kilo and sell it at the subsidized price.
During the event, 7,500 kilos of rice were sold to residents through the Kadiwa ng Pangulo. Beneficiaries praised the program’s affordability and quality, with senior citizens and workers noting how the initiative eases their household expenses.
The Handog caravan also featured Kadiwa outlets selling local products, fruits, and vegetables, alongside government services in health and agriculture. Residents urged the national government to continue the affordable rice initiative to help more families cope with rising food costs.
