The Department of Agriculture (DA) has launched a wider distribution of ₱20-per-kilo rice across 32 Kadiwa centers in provinces near National Capital Region (NCR).
In a DZRH Dos Por Dos interview, National Food Authority (NFA) administrator Larry Lacson said that the expanded rice dispersal includes locations in the NCR and near provinces such as Region 3 and Region 4.
“Dispersal sa Kadiwa ngayon magiging 32 na ang magbebenta nito. Sa NCR at mga karatig na rehiyon, Region 4, Region 3 so mga 32 Kadiwa na po ang mag-oopen,” Lacson said.
As of May 14, Kadiwa centers have recently started operating in major locations including:
- Mandaluyong public market
- San Andres, Malate
- Kamuning Market, Quezon City
- Navotas
- Department of Agriculture (DA) Central Office, Quezon City
- Public Market, Pasay
At Kamuning Market, long lines of customers, especially senior citizens, lined up early in the morning to purchase the ₱20-per-kilo rice.
“₱60 po ‘yung binibili namin, so laki pong tipid ng ₱20 na bigas. Malaki pong halaga ito para sa amin kasi ang mahal po ng bilihin.” shared by one of the customers.
The buyer reiterated that the affordable rice allows them to save and buy additional food items, making a big impact on their daily expenses.
Each customer from the target sector is allowed to buy up to 10 kilos of rice per day.
The Kadiwa stall at Kamuning operates from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM, ensuring accessibility for working-class and elderly citizens alike.
On the other hand, in the Mandaluyong public market, despite its low price, the rice has passed the quality expectations of the consumers.
“Maganda siya, natry na namin, nasubukan na namin ‘yung quality niya,” said one buyer, attesting to the rice's good texture and cooking results.
Meanwhile, the NFA administrator was pleased that the quality of the rice did not become an issue, as they had assured earlier.
“Ako’y natutuwa po na hindi naging isyu ang quality ng ating bigas katulad po ng ating sinasabi,” said Lacson.
Lacson pointed out that the P20-per-kilo rice initiative offers real relief for minimum wage earners and other marginalized sectors.
“Napakamura po nun at napakalaking bagay po. Alam po natin ng sambayanang Pilipino, sa isang minimum wage earner, ‘yung P20 na bigas, isang daan mo limang kilo na,” he reiterated.
Lacson further shared that the rice is sourced from different regions including Mindoro, Region 10, Region 12, and parts of Region 9.
35,000 bags of well-milled NFA rice for P20 kilo has also been unloaded in Cebu, with repositioning efforts underway in Southern Leyte and Bohol.
“Yung pong stocks na hawak-hawak namin at sa kasalukuyang labas nito, kayang-kaya po yan hanggang December 2025,” he said.
“I think ang estimation ko pa nga diyan, baka lumapas pa ng 2026,” Lacson added, emphasizing that if the release of affordable rice performs well, it might even extend beyond 2026.
According to Lacson, local government units (LGUs) play a vital role in establishing Kadiwa centers.
He stated that priority is given to LGUs that show willingness to co-fund the program, especially those already part of food security initiatives.
The DA also emphasized that the Kadiwa rollout will continue uninterrupted throughout the year.
The P20-per-kilo is available to the most vulnerable sectors of society, particularly senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
