By Kenneth Marcos 
At dawn in Lingayen, Pangasinan, families lined up quietly, hoping to bring home a few kilos of rice at a price they could finally afford. For many, every peso saved on food means more money for medicine, school needs, or daily transport. This was the scene as the government formally expanded its P20-per-kilo rice program in the province.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. led the ceremonial turnover of the program to Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III, Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino, and other local officials. The event marked the official launch of the expanded subsidized rice program in the province, part of a nationwide effort to help Filipinos struggling with high food prices.
The P20 rice program aims to provide affordable rice to vulnerable sectors, including senior citizens, indigent families, farmers, fisherfolk, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and minimum wage earners. These groups are often the first and hardest hit whenever prices of basic goods rise.
In Pangasinan alone, the Department of Agriculture estimates that around 177,000 families will benefit from the program. This is equivalent to about 708,000 individuals who will gain access to rice sold at only P20 per kilo—far below prevailing market prices.
Secretary Laurel said the expansion in Pangasinan is part of a larger plan to reach as many as 60 million vulnerable Filipinos nationwide before the end of the year. He stressed that affordable rice is not just a short-term relief, but a key part of the government’s effort to protect food security and ease the daily burden on low-income households.
Rice prices have remained a major concern for many Filipino families, especially in recent years when global supply issues, climate-related disruptions, and higher production costs pushed prices up. For families living paycheck to paycheck, even small increases in rice prices can mean skipping meals or cutting back on other essentials.
Under the program, rice is sourced and distributed through government channels and local government units to ensure it reaches the intended beneficiaries. Local officials play a crucial role in identifying qualified recipients and managing fair distribution in communities.
Governor Guico welcomed the program, saying it would provide immediate relief to thousands of Pangasinenses. He noted that Pangasinan is both a major rice-producing province and home to many low-income families who still struggle to afford basic food despite their contribution to agriculture.
Vice Governor Lambino echoed this message, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between national agencies and local governments. He said programs like the P20 rice initiative show how coordinated efforts can directly improve the lives of ordinary people.
The Department of Agriculture said it will continue monitoring the rollout to ensure transparency and efficiency. Officials also encouraged local governments to help spread awareness so eligible families know how and where to access the subsidized rice.
As the program expands to more areas, many Filipinos hope it will bring not only cheaper rice, but also renewed confidence that government support can be felt at the household level. For families lining up under the morning sun in Pangasinan, the promise is simple but powerful: a full pot of rice at a price they can manage.
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