The government’s drive to lower rice prices gained ground in Northern Luzon this week as officials expanded an affordable rice program in Kalinga province, backed by nearly ₱148 million in fresh agricultural interventions to shore up local production and secure farming livelihoods.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. spearheaded the launch of the expanded “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” initiative—popularly known as the ₱20 rice program—during an official visit to Tabuk City.
The secretary’s itinerary included a meticulous inspection of the National Food Authority warehouse, a direct dialogue with local food producers at a National Irrigation Administration site, and the formal launch of the expanded retail scheme.
According to the Department of Agriculture (DA), the twin-pronged strategy is designed to offer immediate relief to consumers through cheaper staples while systematically upgrading market access and productivity for the agricultural sector.
Tiu Laurel emphasized that the low-cost rice initiative does not operate in a vacuum but is closely integrated with broader national market programs like the KADIWA Ng Pangulo.
“Kalinga is not just rich in natural resources; it is rich in hardworking farmers who deserve the best support our government can provide,” Tiu Laurel said.
The DA chief added that the administration’s holistic framework blends risk management, mechanization, and commercial support to empower both independent smallholders and organized farming groups.
“This comprehensive approach – from providing crop insurance and farm machinery to launching market-oriented initiatives like KADIWA Ng Pangulo – ensures that every farmer, from smallholders to cooperatives, can sustainably grow their livelihoods,” he explained.
Kalinga remains a vital agricultural engine in Northern Luzon, boasting over 47,000 hectares of irrigated lands that sustain rice, corn, coffee, and livestock industries across its 37,720 households. In 2025, the province yielded more than 138,000 metric tons of rice, which included nearly 6,000 metric tons of its culturally significant heirloom rice varieties.
To guarantee that the incoming wave of assistance is distributed equitably across Kalinga’s eight municipalities, the DA partnered with 259 civil society organizations for this year’s rollout. The latest ₱148 million allocation is part of a massive ₱285 million total aid package earmarked for the province for the entirety of 2026, maintaining the momentum of the ₱283.6 million in support distributed last year.
The high-level agricultural mission concluded with a traditional cultural ceremony, where local leaders bestowed tribal recognition upon Tiu Laurel, bridging modern state policy with the rich heritage of the Kalinga communities.