SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Friday urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) and other relevant agencies to expand the availability of cheap rice nationwide through the Kadiwa centers, ensuring that more Filipinos benefit from affordable rice.

He made this call while praising the launch of the Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka Rice program—a partnership between the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) and irrigation association members—aimed at providing cheap rice to vulnerable sectors of society.

As the guest of honor and speaker at the launch event, held at the NIA Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems (UPRIIS) Gymnasium in Cabanatuan City, Romualdez commended the program’s potential to address the country’s food security challenges and lower the cost of the staple for millions of Filipino families.

The Speaker also praised the Department of Agriculture for heeding his call to extend the reach of Kadiwa centers, which sell rice at an affordable price of only P29 per kilo, allowing more consumers—particularly those in need—to access cheap rice.

“Today’s launch of the Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka Rice highlights the unwavering commitment of this Administration to do right by the Filipino, as well as the power of united action to achieve what others thought was impossible,” said Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives.

“Gaya ng sinabi ng ating Mahal na Pangulo sa kanyang nakaraang SONA, ang lahat ng tagumpay sa ekonomiya ay walang kabuluhan kung hindi ito nadadama ng ating mga kababayan. Ang bigas na abot-kaya ang presyo ay mithiin ng ating mahal na Pangulo para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” he added.

Romualdez extended his appreciation to all those involved in the BBM Rice program, particularly the farmers and irrigation associations, for their role in helping the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. bring down the price of rice.

He was joined at the event by Senior Deputy Speaker, Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales, Jr., and House Appropriations Committee Chair and Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Elizaldy Co.

“Maraming salamat din sa DA at nakumbinsi natin silang palawakin ang mga puwesto ng mga KADIWA centers na nagtitinda ng bigas sa presyong hindi lampas sa 30 pesos,” Romualdez noted.

In his earlier market visits in Metro Manila, Romualdez confirmed the availability of rice priced as low as P42 per kilo. He then urged the DA to establish Kadiwa Centers in every market across the country to better serve Filipino consumers.

“Sa mga darating na araw at buwan, makikita na ang mga KADIWA centers sa mga palengke at supermarket dito sa Metro Manila at ibang panig ng bansa,” he said.

“Sa pamamagitan ng ating pagtutulungan, makakasiguro ang marami nating kababayang Pilipino—mga benepisyaryo ng 4Ps, ang ating mga senior citizens, mga may kapansanan, at marami pang iba—na sila ay makakabili ng bigas sa halagang hindi lalampas ng tatlumpung piso kada kilo,” Romualdez added.

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Jester P. Manalastas