MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) said the government’s P20-per-kilo rice program has reached about 12 million beneficiaries.
In a statement Wednesday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the program is now available in around 800 outlets nationwide and targets reaching 1,500 by the end of the year.
"Our target is to reach low-income groups, especially PWDs, 4Ps beneficiaries, single parents, and senior citizens. We are targeting 15 million households," said Tiu Laurel in Filipino.
Despite the looming effects of El Niño, the agency assured the public that the food supply remains stable.
"We have an ample supply; we are food secure," he added.
The program currently distributes around 15,000 to 20,000 metric tons of P20 rice every month, with the DA aiming to double this to 40,000 metric tons monthly by December.
