On Friday, September 13, House Speaker Romualdez urged government agencies to expand the availability of cheap rice nationwide through the established Kadiwa Centers to address the country’s food security challenges.
He remarked on the launch of the Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka Rice program—a partnership between the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and irrigation association members. The program is aimed at providing cheap rice to vulnerable sectors of society. This also ensures that more Filipinos benefit from the affordable rice prices in the country.
The event was held at the NIA Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems (UPRIIS) Gymnasium in Cabanatuan City, where Romualdez served as the guest of honor and speaker.
The Speaker praised the Department of Agriculture (DA) for extending the Kadiwa Centers’ reach of selling rice priced at Php29 per kilo.
“Today’s launch of the Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka Rice highlights the unwavering commitment of this Administration to do right, as well as the power of united action to achieve what others thought was impossible,” the Speaker remarked.
“Gaya ng sinabi ng ating Mahal na Pangulo sa kanyang nakaraang SONA, ang lahat ng tagumpay sa ekonomiya ay walang kabuluhan kung hindi ito nadarama ng ating mga kababayan. Ang bigas na abot-kaya ang presyo ay mithiin ng ating mahal na Pangulo para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” he added.
Romualdez extended his appreciation to all involved in fulfilling the initiative. In the last week, he warned agricultural cartels on the major consequences to face when engaging in economic sabotage. The Speaker described the act as a crime of the highest order.
