The Lapu-Lapu City Government is coordinating with the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the possible rollout of subsidized rice priced at P20 per kilo under the national government’s Kadiwa ng Pangulo initiative.
Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan recently met with DA Engineering Program Manager Primel John Vergara and DA representative Benjie Bala on March 6 to discuss the proposed implementation of the “Bigasan ng Bayan” program in the city.
Under the proposal, newly milled rice from the National Food Authority (NFA) will be sold at P20 per kilo through designated Kadiwa ng Pangulo outlets, which may include the Lapu-Lapu City Public Market.
The program will be implemented through a memorandum of agreement between the city government and the DA, with the department expected to provide the subsidy for the rice.
If finalized, officials said the program could be rolled out as early as April.
The subsidized rice will prioritize vulnerable sectors such as senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
Farmers, fisherfolk, transport drivers, minimum wage earners, and public school personnel may also be included among the eligible buyers.
Qualified beneficiaries will be allowed to purchase up to 10 kilos of rice per transaction, with a monthly allocation of up to 30 kilos for priority sectors.
Kadiwa sites are expected to operate daily. First-time buyers will need to present a valid identification card for registration and will be issued a QR code to facilitate faster transactions for future purchases.
The city government has expressed willingness to provide logistical and operational support for the program, including identifying possible distribution sites.
King-Chan also proposed establishing one distribution hub in Olango Island to make the subsidized rice accessible to residents in the island barangays.
Meanwhile, the DA is coordinating with the Department of Labor and Employment to tap beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program to assist in repacking the rice. (VCL)
Photo from PIA
