DAET, Camarines Norte (PIA) — The municipal government of Mercedes, Camarines Norte, has launched the national government’s P20-per-kilogram rice program to provide affordable rice to residents struggling with the fuel crisis.
Following President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.’s declaration of a National Energy Emergency, Mayor Alexander Pajarillo announced that they would participate in the P20/kg rice program by facilitating the distribution of rice within the municipality.
Pajarillo said that through this initiative, the local government unit (LGU) aims to strengthen food access, improve delivery mechanisms, and demonstrate responsive governance in addressing community needs.
The initiative, led by the Department of Agriculture in partnership with Food Terminal Incorporated and the National Food Authority, seeks to ensure a steady and affordable supply of rice, especially for senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, farmers, fisherfolk, and public transport drivers.
“More than just a simple distribution, this program symbolizes unity, compassion, and responsible governance in times of challenge,” he added.
Municipal Agriculturist Emer-Rose Asug said that the municipal government is covering the operational costs of distribution to keep the P20-per-kilogram rice affordable for beneficiaries.
She added that they plan to distribute the rice on a rotational basis across four areas: the poblacion, river block, coastal zone, and island zone.
“It is such a huge help to save with the P20-per-kilo rice because the cheapest commercial rice I can find usually costs P58 to P60. It’s also a relief to know that when we’re hungry, there’s rice to cook, and I won’t have to borrow money during times when I have no income,” said Myla de la Cruz, a 52-year-old resident with a physical disability from Poblacion, Mercedes.
She said that she purchased 40 kilos of rice to feed herself, her daughter with a disability, her fisherman husband, and her elderly mother.
Since the program limits distribution to 10 kilos per person, she was able to claim the full amount for the four qualified members of her household.
“The affordable rice is a huge help, and we have saved a lot because I was able to buy 10 kilos of rice,” said Evelyn Samante, a 48-year-old canteen sales attendant from Manguisoc, Mercedes.
She works alongside her husband, a fisherman, to support their household of six rice consumers.