Negros Occidental Launches P20 per Kilo Rice Program for Vulnerable Sectors

The provincial government of Negros Occidental, in partnership with the Federation of Irrigators’ Association of Central Negros-Bago River Irrigation System (FIACN-BRIS) Inc., started selling rice at P20 per kilo to vulnerable sectors in Pulupandan town on Tuesday, June 24.

FIACN-BRIS Inc. president Pedro Limpangog mentioned that 500 individuals including solo parents, senior citizens, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and 4Ps beneficiaries benefitted from the program. The rice was sold at a reduced price of P20 per kilo, with each recipient allowed to purchase a maximum of five kilos by presenting an identification card to prevent duplication.

The initiative, part of the Bigasan ng Bayan program, has been ongoing since 2023 in various towns, with the recent price reduction aligning with the national government’s rice program. The provincial government has allocated over P3 million to support rice farmers with farm inputs to enhance production and quality.

The program aims to assist vulnerable sectors and ensure a stable rice supply for the province. Limpangog expressed willingness to continue the initiative as long as there is enough supply, with plans to coordinate future activities with the provincial government.