NIA and DA Launch P29/Kilo Rice at Kadiwa Centers

MANILA, Philippines — The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) officially launched the “Murang Bigas at P29” program on August 8, 2024, at the NIA Central Office in Quezon City.

In a statement delivered by Undersecretary Christopher Morales, DA Secretary Francisco Laurel Jr. highlighted the collaborative efforts of the NIA, DA, and various agencies to implement the sale of affordable rice to Filipinos. “The NIA has initiated rice contract farming and bayanihan efforts alongside the DA and the National Rice Program to make this affordable rice available to our countrymen,” he said.

The P29 per kilo rice will be sold at “Kadiwa sa NIA” sites located in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Caraga regions. During a public briefing, NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen announced that they plan to distribute 10 million sacks, equivalent to 100 million kilograms, of rice at this price throughout the month.

This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos Jr.'s vision of enhancing food security and promoting sustainable economic growth in the country, further supporting the goals of Bagong Pilipinas.

The program aims to provide low-cost rice to vulnerable populations, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and beneficiaries of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Each household will be limited to purchasing up to 10 kilograms of rice per month.

In addition to the P29 rice, selected Kadiwa centers will also offer well-milled rice under the "Rice-for-All" program, which aims to provide quality rice at prices lower than those in the prevailing market.

Agriculture Secretary Laurel earlier urged local government units in Metro Manila to identify suitable locations for Kadiwa centers to expand access to affordable food for more Filipinos. Kadiwa centers serve as rent-free marketplaces for farmers' cooperatives and associations to sell their produce, including vegetables, fish, and meat, at wholesale prices.

The launch of the P29 rice program is part of the government’s broader efforts to address food affordability and accessibility, particularly for low-income households across the nation.


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