DA to Launch P20 Rice in Metro Manila After Elections

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced that it will launch its P20 per kilogram rice program in 32 Kadiwa outlets across Metro Manila starting May 13, 2025.

The initiative was originally set to begin on May 2, but was postponed following a recommendation from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to avoid election-related issues.

Eligible individuals, including indigents, senior citizens, solo parents, and persons with disabilities, will be able to purchase up to 30 kilograms of rice per month at the subsidized rate. "We are targeting 400,000 families in Metro Manila for the government's P20 Rice Program. Multiply the number by 4 or 5, the average number of members per family," said DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra.

The DA assured the public that the program would run until December 2025, with potential extensions through 2028. The rice will be sourced from the National Food Authority (NFA) and distributed through the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program.

The Department of Agriculture is working in collaboration with local government units and other stakeholders to ensure the success of this initiative.