In a statement on Dec. 4, 2024, the department said the initiative aims to provide consumers with affordable rice options and address high retail prices.
“The DA, in partnership with the Food Terminal Inc., will deploy Kadiwa ng Pangulo kiosks in major public markets, including MRT and LRT stations. These kiosks will offer Rice-for-All at an affordable price of P40 per kilo, available from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,” said Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra, head of the Kadiwa program.
The price, initially set at P45 per kilo, was recently reduced to P43 and will drop further to P40 starting Thursday to shield consumers from inflationary pressures.
“Currently, we are coordinating with the following major markets in NCR for the rollout: Kamuning market, Malabon central market, New Las Piñas City public market, Pasay City public market, Balintawak market, Cartimar market, Pateros Grace Marketplace, Maypajo public market, and Paco market,” Guevarra added.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the program’s intent to counter unscrupulous traders.
“We plan to expand this program to other parts of the country where prices of rice remain high, a situation that borders on profiteering,” he said.
The initiative is supported by a P5-billion budget approved by President Marcos.
It reflects the DA’s ongoing commitment to food security and stabilizing rice prices in Metro Manila, the department said.
