Philippines to Continue P20 Per Kilogram Rice Program

Strategic Insights -

House of Representatives lawmakers have filed several bills to ensure the continuation of the P20 per kilogram rice program, according to Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. The program, launched by the administration through the Department of Agriculture (DA), aims to bring down rice prices to P20 per kilogram. Romualdez's bills, HBs No. 1 and 14, seek to reform the National Food Authority (NFA) and expand crop insurance coverage, respectively. The program has already sold 542.18 metric tons of rice worth P10.83 million, benefiting 63,473 households.

Key Takeaways:

  • The P20 per kilogram rice program aims to bring down rice prices to P20 per kilogram, as promised by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his campaign.
  • The program has already sold 542.18 metric tons of rice worth P10.83 million, benefiting 63,473 households.
  • HBs No. 1 and 14 seek to reform the NFA and expand crop insurance coverage, respectively.
  • The bills aim to strengthen the regulatory powers of the NFA and support the rice industry and consumer protection.
  • The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation's services will be expanded to include high-value commodities, livestock, aquaculture, farm machinery, and post-harvest infrastructure.
  • 2.4 million Filipino rice farmers remain vulnerable to climate shocks but lack access to meaningful insurance protection, according to a 2023 Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research paper.
  • The bills will also benefit small farmers who usually skip applying for insurance due to various reasons.
  • Romualdez will support a budget that will allow the DA and the NFA to continue the program.

Statistics:

  • 542.18 metric tons of rice have been sold under the P20 per kilogram program.
  • The sold rice is worth P10.83 million.
  • 63,473 households have benefited from the program.
  • 2.4 million Filipino rice farmers lack access to meaningful insurance protection.
  • The Philippines' rice industry is vulnerable to climate shocks.
  • HBs No. 1 and 14 aim to address these issues through NFA reform and expanded crop insurance coverage.

Sources:

  • Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, House of Representatives, Leyte 1st District Representative
  • Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation
  • Department of Agriculture (DA)
  • National Food Authority (NFA)
  • Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (2023)