NFA Sends 35,000 Rice Bags to Cebu for P20/Kilo Subsidized Rice Program

The National Food Authority (NFA) is set to deliver 35,000 bags of rice to Cebu from San Jose, Oriental Mindoro as part of the government’s initiative to provide rice at P20 per kilo.

This shipment forms part of the 100,000 sacks ordered by Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia. The first batch of 35,000 bags was delivered three weeks earlier.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., who also chairs the NFA Council, said the program aims not only to cut rice prices but also to support farmers by freeing up warehouse space for more local palay purchases. The NFA currently buys fresh palay at P18/kilo and dry palay at up to P24/kilo, compared to the P13.50–P18.00 per kilo offered by private traders.

The subsidized rice will be distributed through local governments and DA’s KADIWA Centers to indigent families, senior citizens, solo parents, and persons with disabilities.

Tiu Laurel emphasized the importance of both affordability for consumers and fair pricing for farmers. He also noted the agency’s goal to buy at least 300,000 metric tons of rice this year, aiming for a record palay harvest.

The NFA is tasked with maintaining sufficient rice buffer stocks sourced locally and ensuring 99.9% of its inventory remains consumable.