US EditionP20/kg rice sold in Cebu despite Comelec advice
- On May 1, 2025, the Department of Agriculture initiated a pilot program offering rice at a price of P20 per kilogram at the grounds of the Cebu Provincial Capitol.
- The Commission on Elections banned government aid distribution, including subsidized rice sales, from May 2 to 12 to prevent political use during the election period.
- Although Comelec recommended delaying the program’s launch until after May 12, Cebu moved forward with the initiative by securing an exemption due to its ongoing Sugbo Merkadong Barato project and receiving localized approval.
- The program targets about 800,000 households, allowing each beneficiary to buy up to 10 kilograms weekly, with rice bought at P33 per kilo and subsidized to sell at P20.
- The pilot test's postponement after May 12 aims to comply with election rules, while officials emphasize balancing price relief and supporting farmers' productivity.
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Focus on mandate to increase farmers' productivity, DA told
CEBU CITY – While offering cheaper rice is good, the Department of Agriculture (DA) should focus on its mandate which is to help increase farmers’ productivity.FORMER Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap talks about the government's P20-per-kilo rice program. (Calvin Cordova)Former Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said this as he gave his take on the government’s controversial P20-per-kilo rice program.“I know what the DA is trying to do is to bring…
P20/kg rice sold in Cebu despite Comelec advice
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The government rolled out on Labor Day its program to sell rice at P20 per kilogram in Cebu despite a suggestion from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to move its launching to after the May 12 elections. Buyers were required to present at least one valid government ID so they could […]...Keep on reading: P20/kg rice sold in Cebu despite Comelec advice
Cebu pilots sale of rice at P20/kilo
CEBU, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture (DA) pilot tested the sale of rice at P20 per kilo at the Cebu provincial capitol on Thursday, May 1. However, the full implementation of the program has been reset to after May 13. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. led the opening ceremony with Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia, and other local officials. “Mula dito sa Cebu, sa Gitnang Visayas, sisimulan …
Comelec tells DA: Pause P20/kg rice project until end of Eleksyon 2025
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) called on the Department of Agriculture (DA) Thursday to defer the rollout of the 20/kilo Rice Project amid the prohibition to the distribution of assistance (ayuda) 10 days ahead of Eleksyon 2025.
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