P20 per kilo rice available in Laguna’s Kadiwa ng Pangulo

VICTORIA, Laguna (PIA) — The government’s P20 per kilo rice-program has yet to pilot in the Visayas, but a farmers’ group has started started selling premium rice at P20 per kilo at a Kadiwa ng Pangulo outlet in Victoria, Laguna as a gesture of support to residents and gratitude for a bountiful harvest.

Held on April 25, the Kadiwa ng Pangulo aims to ease the burden of rising commodity prices and help farmers sell their products directly to consumers.

Emmanuel Atas, Municipal Agriculturist, said that portions of the farmers’ recent harvest were offered at a low price as an alternative form of payment for the foliar fertilizers they used last planting season provided by Eunlad Marketing Cooperative.

Gabina Tubig, a resident of Brgy. Nanhaya, was among the early customers who lined up upon hearing that rice would be sold for only P20 per kilo.

She expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for fulfilling his promise of making rice available at an affordable price.

“Thank you for the promise of our President. I hope he continues to fulfill it, that rice remains at only 20 pesos per kilo, especially here in our town.”

As for the sustainability of the farmers’ initiative, Atas is hopeful that it will grow if supported through local government mandates or ordinances to ensure continuity and broader impact.

“Looking ahead, these farmers are willing to sell rice at just 20 pesos per kilo at upcoming Kadiwa markets,” he said.

When asked if the farmers would incur a loss, Atas said, “They won’t incur losses because the farmers are simply giving back their harvest to the people as a form of assistance.”

In addition to rice and farm produce, local sellers also offered a variety of goods such as slippers, shoes, hats, bags, and clothing. Beverages, including fresh cow’s milk, were also available, along with other locally made products.

For Analyn, a staff member of a sleepwear shop in Liliw town who participated in Kadiwa, the program has been beneficial for both sellers and consumers.

“The Kadiwa ng Pangulo is a big help for us, especially for workers like me, because it allows us to showcase the durability and quality of our products,” Analyn shared.

Analyn added that she has already joined several Kadiwa activities and stressed that through this initiative, they were able to promote and sell their products effectively.

Consumers and local farmers are confident that the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program will continue to provide meaningful support to the country’s agricultural supply chain. (CCM, PIA4A)