House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)

He made this call during the launch of the Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka (BBM) Rice program—a partnership between the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) and irrigation association members—aimed at providing cheap rice to vulnerable sectors of society. 

Romualdez--known as "Mr. Rice"--wants to ensure that more Filipinos benefit from affordable prices of the staple grain. 

As the guest of honor and speaker at the launch, held Friday, Sept. 13 at the NIA Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems (UPRIIS) Gymnasium in Cabanatuan City, Romualdez commended the program’s potential to address the country’s food security challenges and lower the cost of the staple for millions of Filipino families. 

The Speaker also praised the Department of Agriculture (DA) for heeding his call to extend the reach of Kadiwa centers, which sell rice at an affordable price of only P29 per kilo, allowing more consumers—particularly those in need—to access cheap rice. 

“Today’s launch of the Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka Rice highlights the unwavering commitment of this Administration to do right by the Filipino, as well as the power of united action to achieve what others thought was impossible,” said Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives. 

“Gaya ng sinabi ng ating ahal na Pangulo sa kanyang nakaraang SONA, ang lahat ng tagumpay sa ekonomiya ay walang kabuluhan kung hindi ito nadadama ng ating mga kababayan. Ang bigas na abot-kaya ang presyo ay mithiin ng ating mahal na Pangulo para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” he added. 

(Like what our beloved President said during his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), all of our economic victories are for naught if our people don't feel them. It is our beloved President's dream for the people to have affordable rice.) 

Romualdez extended his appreciation to all those involved in the BBM Rice program, particularly the farmers and irrigation associations, for their role in helping the Marcos administration bring down the price of rice. 

He was joined at the event by Senior Deputy Speaker, Pampanga 3rd district Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales, Jr., and House Appropriations Committee Chairman and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co. 

Sept. 13 was the 67th birthday of President Marcos. 

In his earlier market visits in Metro Manila, Romualdez confirmed the availability of rice priced as low as P42 per kilo. He then urged the DA to establish Kadiwa Centers in every market across the country to better serve Filipino consumers. 

Looking ahead, Romualdez expressed optimism that the combination of the upcoming harvest season and the expected arrival of rice imports would further drive down the price of rice in the coming months. 

“Indeed, much can be achieved when we work together. Let our achievement today be another stepping stone for higher and greater aspirations, for the benefit of the Filipino people,” concluded the Leyte 1st district congressman.