President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured the Filipino people that the government has identified a viable approach to sustain the PhP20-per-kilo rice price until the end of his administration—an initiative aimed at easing the burden on consumers while ensuring fair returns for farmers.

President Marcos stated that the government is now able to provide affordable rice without compromising the welfare of farmers.

“Tinitiyak natin na ang presyo ng pagbili sa farmers ay magandang presyo naman para naman ‘yung farmers natin, maganda ang kanilang hanapbuhay,” the President told reporters on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia on Tuesday evening.

President Marcos further stated that the Philippines is actively pursuing international agreements to secure a stable and reliable rice supply and ensure consistent and affordable prices for Filipino consumers.

“We found a way to do it. We could not do it before. Hindi kaya kasi hindi pa kaya ng sistema. Iba pa ‘yung presyo ng bigas noon,” President Marcos said when asked for efforts to sustain low rice prices in the market.

“Kahit anong mangyari down the road, nagawa na ngayon natin. Wala tayong ganoon. Ngayon, mayroon na. Kaya’t kaya na nating gawin ‘yung PhP20,” the President added, referring to the PhP20 per kilo of rice.

The Chief Executive also highlighted that the Department of Agriculture (DA) has begun selling rice at significantly lower prices, in line with the administration’s goal to make staple foods accessible to Filipinos, especially the poor.

The “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” is a government program aimed at ensuring food security, accessibility, and affordability.

KADIWA stores in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Mindoro, and Rizal are now selling PhP20/kilo rice. | PND