KADIWA RICE
THE Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) is set to lower the price of rice under the Rice for All (RFA) program from P40 per kilogram to P38/kg, the Department of Agriculture said on Thursday.
The reduced price will be implemented for the 25 percent broken rice or the RFA25.
The price reduction took effect on Friday, ahead of the implementation of the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) of P58/kg for 5 percent broken imported rice.
Other affordable options available in KNP sites include RFA 5 which is 5 percent broken selling for P45/kg; RFA 100, also known as Sulit rice, is 100 percent broken at P36/kg; and P29, or the aging but good quality rice stock of the National Food Authority (NFA) sold to vulnerable sectors at P29/kg.
Tiu Laurel, meanwhile, joined the council meeting of Metro Manila mayors and laid down some of the DA’s programs and requests.
These include the target expansion of KNP kiosks and stores in all public and private markets in Metro Manila; review of market rental rates which affect retailers’ sale of rice; labeling requirements on retail rice; setting the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at P58/kg for 5 percent broken imported rice on Jan. 20, with a two-week review for lowering of MSRP; and the sale of NFA rice in all local government units at P36/kg in February.
Tiu Laurel bared plans to launch mobile KNPs, saying the Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI) has already procured 24 trucks, with plans to rent additional units.
To date, there are more than 20 KNP centers and kiosks in Metro Manila, while there are 150 public and private markets in the metropolis. Philippine News Agency
