President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. talked about something very important — the government’s plan to help people buy rice at only ₱20 per kilo, which is very cheap compared to normal prices.
But here’s the twist: he thinks the government won’t need to give as much money to keep this cheap rice going in the future.
🌾 What’s Going On?
Right now, the government gives money called subsidies to help make rice cheaper for everyone. This is like when your parents help pay for your school lunch so it won’t cost too much.
President Marcos said that because farmers are now growing more rice and production is getting better, the government might not need to spend as much money anymore. He told GMA News:
“As our rice production improves, we won’t need to give that much subsidy.”
He also added:
“We’ve reached the point where we can say — we can do it! We can afford to keep helping.”
🛒 What is the ₱20 Rice Program?
This program is called “Benteng Bigas”, and it lets poor families and people who really need help buy rice at only ₱20 per kilo. That’s way cheaper than the regular price in stores.
The rice is sold mostly at KADIWA stores, which are special markets made by the government. These stores get their rice straight from Filipino farmers, with the help of the National Food Authority (NFA). That way, farmers earn directly and people can buy rice cheaper.
📍 Where Is It Available?
It all started in Visayas last April, and now, there are already 162 locations all over the Philippines where people can buy this cheap rice.
But not everyone can buy it. The priority is for people who are part of vulnerable sectors — like:
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Senior citizens
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Single parents
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People with disabilities
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Families with low income
President Marcos promised that more people will be able to get this cheap rice soon as the program grows.
😟 But What’s the Conflict?
Even if things look good now, here’s the possible problem: if the government gives less money, will the rice still stay at ₱20 per kilo?
That’s what many people are wondering. Will the program survive if the subsidy drops?
President Marcos seems confident — but only time will tell.
