Marcos Administration Launches P20/Kilo Rice Program Amidst NFA Warehouse Overload
Source: news.source.rappler
The Marcos administration has initiated a P20-per-kilo rice program in the Visayas region, aiming to fulfill a campaign promise of affordable rice. This move comes after a food emergency declaration, as the government struggles to dispose of excess rice stocks in National Food Authority (NFA) warehouses. The program, set to continue until December and potentially until 2028, is criticized for its sustainability due to the low selling price of rice, which may lead to financial losses for the government.
Key Points
The Marcos administration launched a P20-per-kilo rice program in the Visayas to address the campaign promise of affordable rice.
The initiative follows a food emergency declaration aimed at reducing rice prices and managing excess NFA rice stocks.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. mentioned the program's potential extension until 2028, following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The program's sustainability is questioned due to the low selling price of rice, potentially leading to government financial losses.
The NFA is dealing with an increase in rice stocks, necessitating the disposal of old stocks to make room for new harvests.
Criticism from Raul Montemayor of the Federation of Free Farmers highlights the financial unsustainability of the program.
