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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider DA eyes higher palay buying price to support P20 per kilo rice program

DA eyes higher palay buying price to support P20 per kilo rice program

Published Jun 5, 2025 07:54 pm
AGRICULTURE Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. in Bacolod City for the launching of the P20 per kilo rice program on Thursday. (Glazyl Masculino)
AGRICULTURE Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. in Bacolod City for the launching of the P20 per kilo rice program on Thursday. (Glazyl Masculino)
BACOLOD CITY - The Department of Agriculture (DA) is considering increasing the buying price of palay (unhusked rice) to support farmers and the national government’s P20 per kilo rice initiative.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced during the program’s launching at Burgos Public Market here on Thursday that they aim to boost the National Food Authority’s (NFA) budget to purchase more palay directly from farmers at fair rates.
NFA buys palay at P24 per kilo at present.
Laurel said that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is pushing to double or triple the NFA’s procurement budget.
With current laws, NFA can only purchase about five percent of total production, but with legal adjustments, this could reach 10 percent or even 30 percent if the budget is increased, providing significant support to local farmers.
A rollout plan is expected within one to two months, targeting the October to November harvest season.
Laurel emphasized balancing the interests of farmers and consumers, noting strong public demand for affordable rice.
He said that it is the mandate of the DA to protect farmers and fisherfolk but they also need to take care of consumers.
Laurel said the program also benefits farmers directly as they too may buy rice at P20 per kilo, starting next year or earlier.
He added that nationwide consultations and site visits to local farms will continue to gather feedback and ensure smooth implementation.
“Huwag isipin na kaawaawa sila (farmers),” he said.
(Don't think they are pitiful)
He said rice for the program, produced by Filipino farmers, especially for those in need, is of good quality.

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P20 rice Bacolod City DA Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
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