DA ramps up ?20 rice program in Samar and Leyte
PALO, Leyte (March 27, 2026) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has stepped up the implementation of its ₱20-per-kilo rice initiative, “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!”, with consecutive distribution activities in Leyte and Samar, benefiting thousands of residents and strengthening efforts to make staple food more affordable for vulnerable groups.
In Palo, Leyte, over 5,000 beneficiaries received subsidized rice through the program. Those who benefited included farmers, fisherfolk, transport workers such as tricycle and jeepney drivers, minimum wage earners, and low-income families.
The DA said the rollout will continue to expand, with around 15,000 more individuals from the provincial government’s registry expected to receive assistance in the coming days.
At the same time, about 2,000 qualified beneficiaries in Sta. Rita, Samar accessed the affordable rice through a joint effort with the local government.
KADIWA ng Pangulo outlets were also present during the distribution, offering fresh produce, processed goods, and other agricultural products from farmers’ groups and cooperatives. This helped supplement household food supplies while providing additional income opportunities for local producers.
According to Agriculture Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra, the initiative has also helped stabilize palay prices during the harvest season. She explained that the National Food Authority continues to buy palay at fair prices while releasing rice stocks through KADIWA outlets and the ₱20 rice program.
She added that the initiative supports both farmers and consumers by ensuring fair earnings for producers and affordable food for the public, while encouraging continuous agricultural production.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that the program is a key component of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s food security strategy.
He said the initiative ensures Filipino families have access to affordable rice while also protecting the livelihoods of farmers.
The DA highlighted that the continued rollout reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining a stable and accessible rice supply, particularly for low-income communities, while strengthening support for the agriculture sector.
President Marcos has instructed the DA to sustain the targeted rice program through the end of his term in June 2028, with a goal of reaching up to 60 million Filipinos by the end of this year.
NPO News Team | DA Press Office - PR
