P20 RICE HITS DAVAO: AFFORDABLE GRAINS NOW WITHIN REACH!

June 13, 2025 – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s P20-per-kilo rice program for minimum wage earners was officially launched today in the Davao Region, held at Barangay Guihing, Hagonoy, Davao del Sur. The ceremonial launch was spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region XI, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) XI, National Food Authority (NFA), and Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI).

The NFA Davao del Sur Branch Office, a key partner in this initiative, supplied the rice for the program’s implementation. Acting Branch Manager Floreena R. Loraina assured the beneficiaries that the rice distributed under the program is safe and of good quality.

Under the "Benteng Bigas Meron Na" or P20 Rice Program, minimum wage earners may purchase subsidized rice at ₱20 per kilogram. The program was launched simultaneously nationwide to ensure a broader reach and an immediate impact on rice affordability for workers across the country.

As part of the program’s initial implementation in the Davao Region, a total of 4,000 kilograms of rice were allocated for distribution to sugarcane planters and field workers. Among those present at the launch were DOLE Regional Director Atty. Randolf C. Pensoy, DA RTD for Research and Regulations Zabdiel L. Zacarias, and DA RTD for Operations Marie Ann M. Constantino.

This launch marks a significant milestone in the administration’s commitment to food security and social equity, particularly for the country’s most economically vulnerable labor force.

 Vicky G. Arriate, Davao del Sur B.O. Correspondent