The Philippine government’s subsidized milled rice is now available in 81 provinces across the archipelago.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said this leaves Tawi-Tawi as the last province where the initiative has yet to be launched In a statement on Thursday, the DA said they have 427 sites nationwide for selling P20 a kilo of rice. They serve a total of about 1.2 million Filipinos.
This surpassed the DA’s ‘modest target’ of 136 sites in 13 provinces when the program was launched in May. The agency is targeting to roll out the P20/kg rice program in Tawi-Tawi in December.
They also intend to offer subsidized rice for eligible beneficiaries in Aklan, Capiz, Catanduanes, Davao Oriental, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Sarangani and Sulu. /rwd