DA, FTI say P20 rice stocks sufficient; public urged to avoid panic buying
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and state-owned Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) on Friday called on Filipinos to practice responsible purchasing under the government’s subsidized rice initiative, saying unusually large crowds at distribution points are creating the misleading impression of a rice shortage.
Officials emphasized that the government’s flagship “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program—commonly known as the P20-per-kilo rice initiative—continues to have adequate supply despite reports of long lines in some areas.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. assured beneficiaries that rice stocks remain stable. He noted that the National Food Authority (NFA) is continuously milling palay to replenish inventories being sold through KADIWA Program centers and other distribution sites run by local government units.
Tiu Laurel acknowledged that global developments, including tensions in the Middle East, may be causing concern among Filipinos, particularly those in vulnerable sectors. However, he warned that panic-driven behavior could worsen the situation. According to the DA chief, the country currently maintains sufficient rice buffer stocks and is benefiting from a good harvest.
The agency issued the reminder after reports that some groups were crowding distribution sites, fueling speculation that supplies were running low.
FTI president Joseph Lo said sudden surges of buyers—especially outside the DA headquarters in Quezon City—have lengthened queues and heightened public anxiety even though rice stocks remain available.
He explained that the long lines may create the impression of scarcity, prompting the extension of distribution hours in several sites to accommodate more buyers.
Still, Lo acknowledged that logistics and storage capacity limit the number of consumers who can be served daily. He stressed that P20 rice distribution depends on delivery schedules and available facilities but that supplies are regularly transported and distributed across sites nationwide.
Distribution of the subsidized rice continues daily, with registered beneficiaries assured access through the program’s registry system.
Lo emphasized that beneficiaries do not need to panic or rush to purchase rice. As long as they are registered in the Benteng Bigas Registry System, they remain eligible to buy rice under the program.
To ensure fairness and prevent hoarding, each beneficiary is allowed to purchase up to 10 kilograms of rice per day, provided it does not exceed their allotted monthly allocation.
Priority beneficiaries include senior citizens, persons with disabilities, indigent families, solo parents, farmers, fishers, minimum wage earners, and public transport workers.
Lo urged the public to buy only what their households need to help ensure that more people can benefit from the subsidized rice program. He said the government’s goal is to keep the distribution system safe, orderly, and equitable for all beneficiaries.
NPO News Team | DA Press Office - PR
