ILOILO – The Iloilo provincial government’s subsidized P20-per-kilo rice program has quietly gone into full swing in nearly half of the province, with 20 out of 43 local government units (LGUs) already rolling out sales ahead of the formal ceremonial launch later this month.
The move marks the most aggressive phase yet of the province’s anti-hunger push targeting families with malnourished children.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. confirmed that the rollout started on November 12, noting that operations were intentionally kept low-key due to logistical demands and an upcoming public launch.
The LGUs that have begun selling include Concepcion, Lemery, San Dionisio, Passi City, San Enrique, Zarraga, Dueñas, Barotac Nuevo, Dumangas, Guimbal, Ajuy, Igbaras, San Joaquin, Miag-ao, Leon, Alimodian, Mina, Sta. Barbara, San Miguel, and Pavia.
According to the rollout status, 9,002 sacks (equivalent to 450,140 kilograms) of rice have been allocated to the initial 20 LGUs, serving 1,797 individuals as of November 14.
LGUs take charge of distribution
Under the setup, the National Food Authority (NFA) releases the allocated rice which LGUs pick up and resell in designated venues.
“It is the municipality that helps in the distribution, it’s the selling armed right now,” Defensor explained.
The duration of sales per LGU depends on the availability of stocks.
Long-term plan tied to hybrid rice expansion
Defensor said the province intends to make the P20 rice initiative permanent, aligning it with efforts to boost local palay production.
He said strengthening the hybrid rice program will help ensure supply stability: “Gusto sini mangin long term ang program,” he emphasized.
Beneficiaries: families with malnourished children
The program is strictly targeted at households identified under the province’s malnutrition surveillance.
“Ang aton benepisaryo amo ang aton pamilya identified sa malnutrition program, mga pamilya nga may mga malnourished ara dira ang problema sa nutrition. Around 9,000 families all over the province, we are data driven,” Defensor said.
Program background
On October 22, the provincial government signed a memorandum of agreement with all 43 LGUs to implement the subsidy under the SiPag at TiyaGa for MoRProGRes sa Bagong Pilipinas framework, which supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s goal of affordable food and hunger reduction.
The province allotted P26.5 million for the purchase of 20,000 bags of rice. Eligible households may purchase up to 30 kilograms, while extended beneficiaries may buy 10 kilograms.
A ceremonial launch is tentatively scheduled for November 28 in Carles, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture./PN
