“Today marks not just the launch of a new initiative, but the reaffirmation of our collective commitment to ensuring that every Filipino especially those who need it the most, enjoys the sustenance of affordable, quality rice.”
Department of Agriculture Bicol Regional Executive Director Rodel P. Tornilla announces the official launch of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Rice-for-All (RFA)-P20 Program in Bicol during the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na! For Minimum Wage Earners rollout event held at LCC Mall in Legazpi City on June 13, 2025.
The Kadiwa ng Pangulo RFA-P20 Program is a government-led initiative aimed at increasing access to affordable rice, supporting local farmers and strengthening food security. It is a collaborative effort among key government agencies such as the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office 5 (DOLE RO 5), National Food Authority Regional Office 5 (NFA RO 5), and Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI) as well as the private sector. LCC Inc. was the first establishment to implement the program in Bicol. Other private companies registered with DOLE may also avail this initiative.
About 500 minimum wage earner employees of LCC Inc. regionwide will receive rice allocations of 10 kilograms of rice each at Php20/kilo as part of the RFA-P20 Program.
Tornilla underscored that this initiative is part of the government’s efforts to stabilize rice prices and ease the economic burden on Filipino households. He added that this initiative benefits both the farmers and the consumers. P20 rice for the program is directly procured by Food Terminal Inc. from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA’s) Contract Farming Program, private sector, and the National Food Authority (NFA). It will be distributed through designated KADIWA centers, public and private markets, and government centers and offices.
A total of 17,164 minimum wage earners in Bicol are targeted to avail of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo RFA-P20 Program. (Annielyn L. Baleza, DA RAFIS 5)
Source: Department of Agriculture