The ₱20 per kilo rice program 2026 will receive a major funding boost as the government allocates at least ₱14 billion to expand affordable rice access for millions of Filipino families.

The government is preparing a major boost to its food affordability efforts as at least ₱14 billion has been allocated for the ₱20-per-kilo rice program in 2026, a move officials say will directly benefit millions of Filipino families struggling with rising food costs.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. confirmed on Thursday that the funding will support the continued implementation of the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program, a flagship initiative aimed at making rice more accessible to low-income households. The program allows qualified consumers to purchase rice at only ₱20 per kilo through government-backed distribution channels.

According to Tiu Laurel, the budget allocation reflects the administration’s commitment to food security and price stability amid ongoing global and local challenges affecting agricultural production. He emphasized that the funds would be spent carefully to ensure the program’s sustainability and long-term impact.

“This will definitely benefit a lot of Filipinos,” the agriculture chief said, noting that rice remains the country’s most important staple and a major component of household expenses, especially for poor and vulnerable sectors.

The ₱20-per-kilo rice program is implemented through partnerships involving the Department of Agriculture (DA), the National Food Authority (NFA), and local government units. Rice sold under the initiative is sourced from government buffer stocks and distributed through Kadiwa outlets, community centers, and special rollout events nationwide.

Government officials said the program is not only meant to provide short-term relief but also to support farmers by ensuring a steady market for locally produced palay. By strengthening procurement and improving logistics, the DA aims to balance consumer affordability with fair compensation for farmers.

Economists have noted that while subsidized rice programs require significant public spending, they can help cushion the impact of inflation, particularly during periods of high food prices. Recent data show that food inflation continues to be a major concern for Filipino households, with rice prices playing a key role in overall cost-of-living increases.

Tiu Laurel acknowledged these concerns, saying the administration is exploring complementary measures such as boosting domestic production, improving irrigation, and reducing post-harvest losses to lessen reliance on subsidies in the future.

The ₱14-billion allocation for 2026 signals that the government intends to keep rice affordability at the center of its economic agenda. Lawmakers are expected to scrutinize the proposed budget during deliberations, with some calling for stronger safeguards to ensure that subsidized rice reaches its intended beneficiaries.

As discussions continue, the Department of Agriculture reiterated its assurance that the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program will be closely monitored to prevent abuse and ensure transparency.

For many Filipino families, the continuation of the ₱20-per-kilo rice initiative offers hope that basic food needs will remain within reach, even as economic pressures persist.