MANILA, Philippines — Three more Kadiwa stores were added in Metro Manila where vulnerable sectors can buy rice for P29 per kilo, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Tuesday.
After the rollout of the P29 rice program to 10 Kadiwa centers in Metro Manila and Bulacan last Friday, DA Assistant Secretary for Consumer and Legislative Affairs Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra said that the three additional sites will be in Malabon, Navotas, and Nangka, Marikina.
READ: Project 29: Agri department to sell P29/kilo rice in ten Kadiwa sites
“We continue to learn from this large-scale trial, particularly on the demand for low-priced rice, amount and source of supply, and logistics needed to sustain this program and expand it across the country. We are also looking at areas outside Metro Manila where there are plenty of vulnerable households,” Guevarra was quoted as saying in a statement.
The DA official said the agency plans to open three additional sites in two neighboring provinces of Metro Manila before the end of July.
On the other hand, Guevarra announced last Saturday that ‘Rice-for-All’ which aims to sell rice ranging from P45 to P48 for all Filipinos will be available in the coming weeks. Furthermore, DA Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa on Monday said that the agency is looking into the possibility of implementing a limit for the said program to avoid bulk purchases and reselling at higher prices.
Under the P29 per kilo rice program, sectors such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, single parents, or beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program will be able to purchase rice at P29 per kilo.
READ: Cheaper rice to be sold soon in VisMin, says DA
In the trial program, the P29 rice will be available from Friday to Sunday, while beneficiaries may buy up to 10 kilograms of rice monthly.
When buying, beneficiaries will also be required to present their identification card and a reusable container or bag, while booklets will be given to monitor their purchases.
The DA is also planning to extend the P29 rice and ‘Rice-for-All’ programs in Visayas and Mindanao by August.