TACLOBAN CITY – Former senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has underscored the need for the full implementation of the Sagip Saka Act to ensure the sustainability of the government’s initiative to sell rice at a cheaper price.
During his visit to Eastern Visayas on Thursday, April 24, Pangilinan welcomed the national government’s rollout of rice at PhP20 per kilo but emphasized that this effort can only be maintained through direct support for Filipino farmers.
“I think ultimately, para maging sustainable ‘yan, full implementation of the Sagip Saka Act is needed. The government now has the capacity to buy palay directly—both at the national and local levels,” Pangilinan said.
On Tuesday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. formally launched the P20-per-kilo rice program in the Visayas region, following a meeting with 12 governors at the Cebu Provincial Capitol.
The initiative aims to decongest the National Food Authority’s (NFA) warehouses by making rice more accessible to the public.
According to the Department of Agriculture, the program was initially set to run until December 2025, but the President has ordered its extension until February 2026, and possibly up to 2028.
“We all want to have P20-per-kilo rice, but right now, it’s limited—like a ration. So how do we expand it? The government should buy directly from our farmers, store the rice, and distribute it through Kadiwa. Kadiwa outlets are authorized to sell rice to the public,” Pangilinan explained.
He stressed that the P20-per kilogram price point is a temporary measure that may not last unless backed by a solid procurement strategy.
“That P20 is a stopgap. It won’t be sustainable unless the government provides direct support in purchasing agricultural products, especially palay and rice, from our local farmers,” he added.
Meanwhile, during the groundbreaking ceremony for a new NFA warehouse in Alangalang, Leyte, Acting Deputy Administrator John Robert Hermano said they are still waiting for local government units (LGUs) in Eastern Visayas to submit requests for the cheaper rice.
Under the program, the NFA will supply the rice, while LGUs will handle distribution and sales to consumers.
“So far, no LGUs from the region have submitted formal requests. But we are hopeful that by May, this affordable rice will be available in the local markets,” Hermano said.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
