Philippines to sustain P20 rice subsidy program through 2028

The Philippine government has secured funding to maintain President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s subsidized P20-per-kilo rice program, branded “Benteng Bigas Meron Na!”, through the end of his term in June 2028. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that much of the additional funding released by the president remains unused, providing a cushion to sustain the initiative.

The program is designed to provide relief to vulnerable consumers, with the potential to reach up to 60 million Filipinos. By utilizing a targeted subsidy rather than mandating a market-wide P20 retail price, the government aims to protect low-income households without harming local farmers. Tiu Laurel noted that forcing a universal price cap could squeeze farm incomes, as production costs for palay alone can reach approximately P12 per kilo before milling, transport, and trading expenses are added.

Additionally, the program expands the role of the National Food Authority (NFA) by allowing for faster inventory movement, which enables the agency to purchase more palay directly from local growers.