The government resumed selling rice at ₱20 per kilo through 12 KADIWA centers in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, following the lifting of the 10-day spending ban imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
The program, dubbed “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!”, was first launched in Cebu on May 1 as part of a scaled-up pilot initiative.
According to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, the program was paused due to election-related restrictions but is now fully operational again.
Only vulnerable sectors such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), solo parents, and members of the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) are eligible to purchase rice at the discounted rate. Each qualified beneficiary may buy up to 30 kilos of rice per month at ₱20 per kilo.
The Department of Agriculture estimates that the program could benefit up to 10 million Filipinos until December.
Laurel emphasized that the program is aimed at alleviating the impact of high food prices on low-income sectors.
The Comelec’s spending restriction briefly halted the initiative shortly after its Cebu launch, but with the ban now lifted post-election, the rice distribution effort has resumed.
Distribution is limited to KADIWA centers, and the program currently covers select areas in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
