ILOILO – To combat childhood malnutrition, the provincial government launched a targeted rice subsidy program aimed at providing affordable rice to nearly 12,000 undernourished children across the province.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. signed Executive Order No. 040, Series of 2025, during a ceremony on April 28, implementing the “SiPag at TiyaGa for MoRProGRes sa Bagong Pilipinas” initiative. Central to this program is the “P20/kg Rice Para sa Bayan”, which will make rice available at P20 per kilogram to households with undernourished children.
Based on the Iloilo Provincial Health Office’s 2024 data, around 11,776 children aged zero to 59 months old are suffering from malnutrition — categorized as underweight, stunted, or wasted — as reported through the Operation Timbang Plus (OPT) survey submitted to the National Nutrition Council.
“This is our way of prioritizing the poorest of the poor, particularly families grappling with malnutrition. They deserve to benefit the most from this subsidy,” said Defensor.
The provincial government earmarked P19 million for the program’s initial implementation. Defensor, however, clarified that the subsidy would be strictly limited to the malnourished sector, noting that expanding the program to a wider population would require substantial additional funding, logistics, and manpower.
How the P20/kilo rice will work
Under the arrangement, the provincial government will purchase rice from the National Food Authority (NFA) at P33 per kilogram.
The price will be brought down to P20 per kilogram through a P6.50 subsidy from the provincial government and another P6.50 subsidy from the Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI), a government-owned corporation acting as NFA’s distribution conduit.
“Essentially, the government absorbs P13 of the P33 cost to allow the final selling price of P20 to our target beneficiaries,” explained Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 6 OIC regional technical director Ma. Teresa Solis.
She assured the public that the rice offered under the program would be of good quality.
The rice will be sold through MoRProGRes Kadiwa ng Pangulo Centers, Bigasan ng Barangay outlets, and other authorized government retail stores.
Defensor urged all 43 local government units in Iloilo to set up Kadiwa Centers to ensure accessibility for beneficiary families.
Awaiting Full Rollout
No specific date has been announced for the start of rice distribution. Defensor said the program is still being finalized in coordination with the DA, NFA, and other involved agencies.
He appealed to the public to manage their expectations, stressing that the program is not yet open to the general public and will not be implemented immediately.
Supplementary Financial Assistance Planned
In addition to the rice subsidy, the provincial government is exploring options to provide voucher-based financial assistance under existing national and local programs such as the Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD).
The vouchers, which will have a corresponding amount, can be used by beneficiaries to purchase P20 rice from authorized stores. However, the final mechanics, including the frequency and value of the assistance, are still being ironed out and will depend on available funds and applicable accounting rules.
The Iloilo Provincial Health Office is still gathering final household data through barangay nutrition scholars, with a full beneficiary list expected by May 6.
“This is just the beginning,” Defensor said. “Through a targeted, data-driven approach, we are committed to securing the health and future of Iloilo’s next generation.”/PN
