MANDAUE City is keen to participate in the Sugbo Merkadong Barato (SMB) program’s sale of P20-per-kilo rice after being excluded from the initial rollout, which prioritized provincial local government units (LGUs).
City Administrator Jamaal James Calipayan is preparing to sell at least 30 sacks of rice once included in the next distribution phase.
The City is optimistic that strong resident demand will lead them to request additional stocks.
“We are ready to join. This is a good opportunity for our residents, especially since the price is very affordable. Many sectors stand to benefit from this,” Calipayan said.
Mandaue officials attended the SMB rice program’s official launch on May 1, 2025, but the city did not receive any initial stock allocation.
Calipayan explained that their City Agriculture Office was informed that several LGUs were already scheduled for rice distribution, causing Mandaue City to miss out despite their presence at the launch. Consequently, no rice was sold in Mandaue during the launch.
Despite this, the City remains hopeful and eager to participate when the rollout resumes.
“If the distribution resumes, we’ll definitely grab the opportunity. It would be such a waste if we can’t take part, since the price is very low and so many sectors can benefit from it,” Calipayan said.
The City is targeting sectors already registered with IDs and QR codes, including barangay workers, traffic enforcers, school personnel, and other frontline service providers.
The rice will be sold at the City Social Welfare and Services office strictly at cost, with no profit margin.
Calipayan acknowledged the city’s past experience with SMB rice, which was sold at P39 per kilo.
“Even though we had inventory and tried to sell it here, none of it sold. In the end, we just had to absorb the cost. We repurposed the rice for other uses because there were no buyers, mainly due to the quality.”
He stated the city is approaching this new rollout cautiously to avoid a repeat.
“We won’t deprive our sectors if the allocation pushes through. But while this works like a consignment model, it’s different because whatever we’re allocated, the LGU will still have to pay for. That’s why our initial request is just 30 sacks—we’re being conservative because we’re worried it might not sell again.”
Currently, the city is awaiting confirmation of their allocation. If the rollout resumes, they plan to distribute the 30 sacks over one week. “If the public gives good feedback, then we can order more,” Calipayan said.
Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia earlier confirmed the deferment of the sale of the P20/kilo rice until May 13, following the Commission on Elections’ advice. / CAV