Metro Manila, Philippines – The government plans to sell affordable rice in supermarkets and convenience stores in Metro Manila under an expanded program, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. met with over 3,200 retail outlets to discuss the scheme, including SM, Robinsons, 7-Eleven, Puregold, and MerryMart, on Tuesday, Jan. 23, to discuss the plan, the DA said in a news release on Thursday.
“This is a solution that we believe will stabilize rice prices faster and more efficiently,” Laurel was quoted as saying. “But we need to find the right balance to operationalize this properly and secure everyone’s cooperation.”
“Posibleng, of course, ‘yong pag presyo maging kaparehas sa mga traditional na palengke,” Agriculture spokesperson Arnel de Mesa told reporters on Wednesday. “Magkakaroon pa rin ng several discussions… One thing is for sure maging available ‘yong ibang klase ng bigas lalo na ‘yong Kadiwa sa supermarkets and convenience stores.”
[Translation: It’s possible, of course, that the pricing would be the same as that of traditional markets. There would be more discussions. One thing is for sure, other products, such as the Kadiwa rice, will be available in supermarkets and convenience stores.]
The DA has yet to announce the date of the pilot implementation in Metro Manila.
The agency would offer P29 per kilogram aging rice stocks for vulnerable sectors, and “Rice for All” products sold at P36/kg, P38/kg, and P45/kg in retail outlets.
Cheaper rice can be bought in Kadiwa stores and some markets in the region.
“Food Terminal Inc., a government-owned corporation, will handle the supply and packaging of rice distributed through participating retail chains,” the DA said.
It said the pilot program will be under monitoring for months before possibly expanding to other regions.
“By collaborating with retail networks, the DA aims to make a long-term impact on stabilizing rice prices nationwide, especially in urban areas where fluctuations are more pronounced,” the agency said.
