THE second phase of the P20 per kilo rice program is expected to be implemented in Mindanao provinces starting July 2025, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said Monday, May 19, 2025.
In a press conference, Laurel said the second phase of the program will be rolled out in Zamboanga del Norte, Basilan, Cotabato City, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Davao Oriental and Sorsogon.
Laurel said the said areas were selected because of their high poverty incidence.
The provinces of Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Norte, Catanduanes, Agusan del Sur, Sarangani and Dinagat Island will be covered in the third phase of the implementation of the program by September.
The MalacaƱan earlier said the government has sufficient funds for the subsidized rice program until December 2025.
The program was piloted in the Visayas before it was rolled out in Kadiwa ng Pangulo Centers in Luzon. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)