CEBU CITY – Rice that can be bought at P20 per kilo is possible after all.
The Cebu provincial government on Tuesday, November 28, launched the Sugbo Merkadong Barato (SMB) program where rice from the National Food Authority (NFA) is sold at P20 a kilo.
The launching of the SMB program is part of the fulfillment of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s campaign promise of P20 per kilo rice.
CEBU Gov. Gwen Garcia (left) and House Speaker Martin Romualdez launch the Sugbo Merkadong Barato (SMB) program where rice is sold at P20 per kilo. (Photo from Sugbo News)
Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia led the launching of the program at the Talisay City Hall grounds.
“This is all a collaborative effort, a synergy of several sectors that have only one goal in mind, and that is to help those that need help the most,” Garcia said in her speech.
The program aims to support the national government’s food sustainability efforts which focus on providing affordable rice for indigent beneficiaries duly certified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who represented the President, graced the event, which was also attended by members of the provincial board, Cebu mayors, and regional and provincial directors of various national government agencies.
Through the program, the province will intensify its collaboration with local producers and farmers as part of its efforts to boost the local economy.
The program was simultaneously launched in Cebu’s 44 municipalities, and six component cities as well as in Mandaue City.
“Let this be a challenge to all Cebuanos. You pride yourself in being recognized as the No. 1 province in the entire country and the richest province in the entire country. The provincial government is doing its best that it can to support the President that we cast out votes for. It is incumbent upon us – upon each and every one of us – to help our President, to help our national government. Ask not what your country, the Philippines, can do, but rather ask what you can do for the Philippines and our beloved President Bongbong Marcos,” Garcia added.
Romualdez lauded the capitol’s program.
“Marami ang nagsasabi na imposible ‘yan (A lot of people are saying this impossible). But as Cebu has done, as it did many times in the past, it has made dreams a reality. And you, governor, and all of you congressmen, board members, and the mayors — you have made this dream possible,” he said.
When it comes to performance and efficiency, Cebu has a very high standard, a gold standard, said Romualdez.