The P20 Rice Program is one of the most ambitious social welfare initiatives under the Marcos administration, offering rice at only ₱20 per kilo to millions of Filipino families. Introduced as a 2022 campaign promise, this program is now a working reality under the slogan:
“A Promise Fulfilled – P20 Benteng Bigas Meron na (PBBM).”
Managed by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), the project ensures that affordable rice reaches marginalized sectors through the Kadiwa ng Pangulo network.
👤 Who Benefits from P20 Rice?
The program prioritizes:
- Low-income families
- Senior citizens
- Persons with disabilities (PWDs)
- Solo parents
- Minimum wage earners (starting Q3 2024)
Each eligible household is allowed to purchase up to 10 kilos per month at the discounted rate. The program is projected to benefit 15 million households, or around 60 million Filipinos, by the end of President Marcos’ term in 2028.
🗓️ When Did It Begin?
The first rollout started on May 1, 2024, in the Visayas region, briefly paused due to election-related spending restrictions, and resumed on May 12. The Mindanao phase will begin in July, with Luzon scheduled for implementation by the end of the year.
📍 Where Is It Available?
The P20 rice is available at designated Kadiwa ng Pangulo outlets, now operating in parts of the Visayas, with Mindanao and Luzon locations expected to open in the coming months. The distribution system is managed by FTI, ensuring a secure, direct link between producers and consumers.
🤔 Why Was This Program Launched?
President Marcos launched the P20 rice initiative to:
- Combat hunger and food insecurity
- Reduce inflation’s burden on poor households
- Support local rice farmers
- Fulfill a key campaign promise
“There are those saying this is cosmetic and unsustainable. Watch me sustain it, and we’ll talk again in May 2028,” Marcos stated during a press briefing after the ASEAN Summit.
⚙️ How Is P20 Rice Funded?
The rice is sold at a subsidized price through government support, primarily funded by the national budget and managed through FTI.
Key partners:
- Department of Agriculture (DA) oversees sourcing and implementation
- DOLE helps verify beneficiaries
- Food Terminal Inc. coordinates logistics and distribution
🗣️ What Do Critics Say?
Some critics, including Vice President Sara Duterte, have called the program a “false promise.” Economic analysts question its sustainability amid rising global rice prices.
President Marcos insists the current system is strong enough to maintain the initiative long-term.
🌏 What Global Events Impact the Program?
During the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, President Marcos warned about the global impact of U.S. tariff hikes, which may reduce international trade and economic activity.
In response, he advocated for stronger intra-ASEAN trade, highlighting the importance of local food systems like the P20 rice program.
📈 What’s Next for the P20 Rice Program?
- Mindanao launch by July 2024
- Luzon rollout by late 2024 to early 2025
- Minimum wage earners added to the beneficiary list
- Systems to monitor abuse and resale
- International rice procurement deals for supply security
P20 Rice Marcos Fulfills Promise is not just a slogan but a nationwide movement. Backed by government agencies and strategic reforms, it aims to secure the most basic need of every Filipino — affordable, accessible rice.
With commitment and continuity, this initiative could redefine how food programs are implemented across Southeast Asia.
This program is taxpayer-funded and should only be used by verified beneficiaries. Let’s protect this initiative and ensure it continues to reach those in need.
📚 References:
- Philippine Daily Inquirer. (2025, May). Marcos vows to sustain P20/kg rice until 2028. Retrieved from inquirer.net
- Department of Agriculture. (2024). Kadiwa ng Pangulo Program Launch and Guidelines. www.da.gov.ph
- Official Gazette of the Philippines. (2022). President Marcos’ Campaign Promise Tracker. www.officialgazette.gov.ph
- Philippine News Agency. (2024, May). FTI leads rice distribution in P20/kilo program. www.pna.gov.ph
- BusinessWorld Online. (2025). ASEAN Summit: Marcos on US tariffs and trade impact. www.bworldonline.com
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