Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel personally led the tasting of P20-per-kilo NFA rice on Tuesda, assuring the public of its quality amid criticisms questioning the program.
Joined by other Department of Agriculture (DA) officials, Laurel sampled the cooked rice in a media briefing held in Quezon City. The move came after Vice President Sara Duterte earlier raised concerns regarding the quality of the rice being sold at a subsidized price.
Laurel admitted that he was hurt by the allegations claiming the rice was unfit for consumption. He emphasized that the department is committed to ensuring that only good-quality rice will be sold to the public.
The DA announced that a P5 billion subsidy fund has been allocated for the program, which will sell rice at P20 per kilo. Originally priced at P33 per kilo, the government and local government units (LGUs) will shoulder a P13 loss for every kilo sold.
The initial rollout of the program is scheduled on May 1 in Visayas, and May 2 at select Kadiwa stores in Metro Manila, pending approval of a Commission on Elections (Comelec) exemption.
Laurel called for public support for the program, stressing that it aims to benefit all Filipinos, especially during a time of rising food prices.
