The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced the launch of affordable rice options under its “Rice for All” program, aiming to provide high-quality but budget-friendly rice to Filipino consumers.
DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa revealed on Thursday that the initiative will include Sulit Rice and Nutri Rice, which will be available in Kadiwa ng Pangulo centers, select markets, and train stations.
Sulit Rice, priced at P35 to P36 per kilo, consists of 100% broken rice grains but maintains good quality.
“We tried cooking it in the office, and the quality is satisfactory,” de Mesa said.
Meanwhile, Nutri Rice, priced at P37 to P38 per kilo, offers a healthier alternative. Produced through a single-pass milling process, it retains more fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a middle ground between well-milled and brown rice.
Sales of both rice varieties are expected to begin this January, with distribution expanding from Metro Manila to other regions nationwide.
The Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI) will manage the supply, which de Mesa assured is sufficient to meet public demand.
He also highlighted that the department is sourcing rice from both local producers and imports to ensure long-term availability.
The program builds on previous efforts to lower rice prices. By late 2024, prices of “Rice for All” products had already dropped to P40 per kilo. This year, the DA plans to offer even lower prices, between P38 and P39 per kilo, as part of its ongoing initiative to make rice more affordable.
Addressing questions about agricultural production, de Mesa said the DA is targeting a recovery in 2025, aiming for a palay harvest of 20 million metric tons despite challenges posed by the lingering effects of La Niña.
In terms of accessibility, the DA plans to expand the number of Kadiwa ng Pangulo Centers, with a target of 700 operational sites by March and 1,500 by 2028. These centers aim to bring affordable agricultural products closer to Filipino households.
