Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano
CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — The Mandaue City government, under the leadership of Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano, has signified its intent to take part in the national government’s P20-per-kilo rice initiative, which seeks to provide more Filipinos with access to affordable rice.
City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo “Sally” Malig-on told reporters that the city supports the initiative and is open to joining the program.
However, he clarified that there has been no formal coordination yet with the relevant national agencies.
“Of course mo-support man gyud ang mga LGU (local government unit) sa programa sa national government but wala pa ang official gyud nga movement or communication,” said Malig-on.
Malig-on said they learned about the program through the President’s pronouncements but noted that there are still no concrete steps or guidelines on when or how the city can participate.
He added that the city government will seek recommendations and study the program’s mechanics, including its implementation process and the criteria for determining eligible beneficiaries.
“We will study ang mechanics kung naa na gyud ba,” said Malig-on.
Malig-on said Mayor Ouano believes the program could greatly benefit many residents in the city, particularly with the lower price of rice.
“In essence niingon man ang mayor nga kung makatabang, syempre mas barato diba mas makatabang sa mga tao,” Malig-on said.
He noted that while not everyone will be able to avail of the program, many residents can benefit from it. This is why the city will ensure that the mechanics are properly set to clearly identify who qualifies.
He stressed that although the city supports the program in principle, it must first fully understand its processes and requirements.
“We’re not sure if this needs approval from the Sangguniang Panlungsod or who in the city should be authorized to sign. But as a concept, it’s a good program,” he said.
During his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reiterated the government’s commitment to the P20-per-kilo rice program, assuring that it can be achieved without compromising farmers’ income.
He said subsidized rice is now available in 123 locations nationwide, including 88 Kadiwa centers and other government outlets. Areas already implementing the program include Cebu, Pangasinan, Bacolod City, Siquijor, and Davao del Sur.
The President also announced that P113 billion will be allocated to support the Department of Agriculture’s programs, which include expanding the Kadiwa network in partnership with local government units.
The Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI) is the government agency responsible for providing the rice through the DA’s P20 Rice Program.
Launched on May 1, 2025, the P20-per-kilo NFA rice project—officially named P20-Benteng Bigas Meron Na (PBBM)—was designed to make affordable rice accessible to all Filipinos.
Under the original guidelines, each household is entitled to buy up to 10 kilos of rice per week, upon presentation of a valid ID and a container for rice.
The rice is supplied to provinces by FTI at P33 per kilo. The local government then sells the rice to constituents at P20 per kilo, with the P13 difference subsidized jointly by the national and local governments, each covering P6.50.
| Written by Kristin De Dios/LPM
