MANILA, (PIA) — Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco lauded the Marcos administration’s efforts to expand access to affordable rice, following the announcement of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. that they will increase the number of Kadiwa outlets offering the P29 per kilo rice from 13 to 23 stores.
“The sustained efforts of this administration to lower the price of basic commodities, including Filipino staples like rice, shows its steadfast commitment to fulfill its promises. With this program, Filipinos from vulnerable households and sectors are given some economic relief as they gain access to low-cost goods for their families,” he said.
Beneficiaries of the P29 per kilo rice program include members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), solo parents, senior citizens, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Earlier this week, some 1,500 Navoteños were able to purchase up to five kilos of P29 per kilo rice.
“We are grateful to President Bongbong for his efforts to ensure Navoteños can have access to low-cost rice through the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program. The local government of Navotas hopes to continuously work with the national government in delivering basic services that are truly relevant to the needs of our constituents,” he said.
Tiangco also praised efforts to prioritize agricultural development and farmers’ welfare.
He highlighted the expected rollout of the Department of Agriculture’s contract-farming program with the National Irrigation Authority to supplement the low-cost rice supply in Kadiwa stores.
The Navotas solon reiterated his support for Speaker Martin Romualdez’s goal of achieving rice self-sufficiency by 2028, emphasizing that the renewed focus on agriculture will ensure strong national support for farmers and fisherfolk.
“I am one with the House leadership in pushing for efforts that will modernize and develop the country’s agricultural sector. Not only will it improve the lives of farmers and fisherfolks, it will also significantly contribute to food security of Filipinos,” he said. (JMP/PIA-NCR)
