Metro Manila, Philippines – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has started integrating the ₱20-per-kilogram rice initiative into the government’s flagship anti-hunger program “Walang Gutom,” Secretary Rex Gatchalian confirmed on Tuesday, June 3.
Gatchalian said this move follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for government agencies to coordinate efforts in addressing food insecurity.
“The president’s order is that no department without its own should act without coordination with other departments,” the DSWD chief said in a media briefing.
Gatchalian said he met with Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Roque and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Laurel Jr. on Monday to finalize the integration of the ₱20 rice into the food credit system used by “Walang Gutom” beneficiaries.
Under the plan, roughly 1,000 accredited retailers, including Kadiwa stores and small agricultural cooperatives, will be supplied with the subsidized rice, which beneficiaries can then purchase using their existing food vouchers.
When asked about the timeline, Gatchalian said, “Nag-i-start na. Binigay na namin iyong listahan sa Department of Agriculture and they are now going to make sure na iyong mga retailers na ito, around 1,000 of them for now, ay makatanggap na noong murang bigas para iyon ang maibigay naman nila doon sa mga food poor nating beneficiaries.”
[Translation: It is starting now. We have already given the list to the Department of Agriculture, and they will ensure that around 1,000 retailers receive the affordable rice so they can provide it to our food-poor beneficiaries.]
The “Walang Gutom” program provides electronic food vouchers to identified food-poor households, allowing them to redeem basic goods from designated partners.
The inclusion of ₱20 rice aims to stretch the value of these credits further, providing greater food security for low-income Filipinos.
While the timeline for full implementation depends on logistical arrangements, Gatchalian confirmed that coordination with the Department of Agriculture is underway to ensure a smooth rollout.
