LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Vulnerable groups in Pangasinan have expressed gratitude to the national government on Thursday as the P20-per-kilo rice program was officially launched here, offering welcome relief amid rising food prices.
Vulnerable sectors welcome P20/kg rice rollout in Pangasinan
Published May 15, 2025 06:14 pm
PEOPLE buying P20-per-kilo rice in Quezon City. (Santi San Juan)
“Siyempre maganda tinupad nila ‘yung P20/kg ng Marcos administration at madami nakinabang dito. Oportunidad natin ito na makabili ng murang bigas (Of course, this is very good that they fulfill the P20 per kilo (campaign promise) of the Marcos administration, and many have benefited from it). This is an opportunity to buy cheaper rice,” Silvestre Vila Jr., an elderly from Barangay Maniboc here who availed of the program said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency.
Rosita Alimbuyao, 70, of Barangay Poblacion, said the program would significantly help support her large family, which includes 10 children and grandchildren.
“Makakatulong ito sa amin para makabawas sa gastusin (This will help reduce our daily expenses),” she said.
For 42-year-old Enrico Aquino of Barangay Baay, a beneficiary of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) program, the subsidized rice meant immediate savings.
“Malaking tulong dahil sa mahal ng bigas ngayon. Nagpapasalamat ako sa gobyerno (It’s a big help because rice has become expensive. I’m thankful for this government initiative),” he said after purchasing five kilos for his family of five.
Well-milled rice currently sells between P42 and P55 per kilo, making the program’s P20/kg offering a major reprieve for low-income households.
Municipal agriculturist Rodolfo dela Cruz said 45 sacks of 50-kilo rice were sold at P20 per kilo under the program, targeting sectors such as senior citizens, Persons with Disabilities, solo parents, and 4Ps members.
An additional 104 sacks of 25-kilo rice were sold at P30 per kilo to the general public.
“The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office has the masterlist of the vulnerable sector and they need to bring identification cards as proof that they are qualified beneficiaries while the P30/kg is open to all,” he said.
Dela Cruz said the local government continues to request additional rice allocations to sustain the program under the Kadiwa ng Pangulo initiative.
“We are continuously requesting for supplies for another Kadiwa ng Pangulo here in our town. We are happy especially the beneficiaries that they were able to buy cheaper priced rice,” he added. (PNA)