ILOILO City – The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Western Visayas is urging local government units (LGUs) across the region to formally signal their intent to participate in the P20 per kilo rice program, as the agency begins laying the groundwork for its post-election implementation.
With the election-related distribution ban still in effect, DA Region 6 information officer James Earl Ogatis emphasized the importance of early coordination from LGUs so they can comply with administrative and documentary requirements once the ban is lifted.
“If there are municipalities that want to participate, they can contact our agency so we can iron out the requirements that they must prepare,” Ogatis said.
Several LGUs, including the provincial governments of Iloilo, Aklan, and Guimaras, are reportedly preparing resolutions and proposals to support the subsidized rice initiative, which aims to provide affordable rice to targeted sectors.
The program’s rollout had been delayed due to the Commission on Elections’ 10-day distribution ban, which covers welfare programs such as the P20/kg rice initiative during the campaign and election period.
DA-6 is currently coordinating with its central office, the National Food Authority (NFA), and other partner agencies to ensure smooth implementation after the May 13 elections.
The P20/kg rice program is part of the national government’s broader push for food security and price stabilization, aligning with the administration’s long-term vision to make rice more affordable for all Filipinos./PN
