The Cebu Market Vendors Multi-Purpose Cooperative has expressed cautious support for the national government’s plan to launch the P20-per-kilo rice program in the Visayas, but warned that the initiative may not be sustainable or widely accessible.
The program, a key campaign promise of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., will begin at the end of April in Regions 6, 7, and 8. During a closed-door meeting on April 23 at the Cebu Provincial Capitol, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. confirmed the pilot launch, citing the region’s demand and available government rice stocks.
An initial P3.5 to P4.5 billion budget will fund the rollout, which seeks to offer low-cost rice to poor families via select LGU-managed distribution points.
Vendors support idea, but see major flaws
Erwin Gok-ong, president of the cooperative operating in Cebu’s largest public market, said in an interview that the idea could offer temporary relief to low-income households. However, he called it a heavily subsidized showcase that may not reach the majority.
He explained that the global price for rice remains too high for the government to sustainably deliver rice at P20 per kilo. With transportation, labor, and packaging costs, the actual landed price in Cebu could reach P34 per kilo — even without tariffs.
He noted that previous government price interventions through the defunct National Food Authority barely impacted the broader public and warned that leakage and profiteering were likely unless tight controls were enforced.
Limited access and unclear rollout
Under current proposals, each family may purchase up to 10 kilograms of rice weekly at the subsidized price. Still, Gok-ong said guidelines on who qualifies to buy or sell the rice remain unclear.
He expressed concern that only a fraction of the subsidized rice might reach intended beneficiaries, with the rest diverted and sold at higher prices. He estimated that less than five percent of market customers would access the discounted rice and said most buyers prioritize quality over price.
Even if the rice is cheap, he explained, consumers still prefer soft, fragrant grains over broken, bland alternatives that resemble past NFA stocks.
Asked about the program’s fairness, Gok-ong said it may help the poor, but would be economically unsound and unsustainable without a clear long-term plan.
He also questioned the exclusion of local vendors and cooperatives from the planning process. If the government is serious, he said, it should include stakeholders to ensure proper execution.
Political undertones and Duterte’s criticism
Vice President Sara Duterte slammed the program as a political stunt, suggesting it was designed to boost administration allies before the 2025 elections. She claimed the original campaign promise was dishonest and gave people false hope.
As of press time, Malacañang has not responded to requests for comment.
The Department of Agriculture said it aims to expand the program nationwide by 2028, pending the success of its Visayas pilot.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.