MANILA — Cheaper rice is now being sold at P29 per kilo in several Kadiwa Centers of the Department of Agriculture for senior citizens, solo parents, PWDs, and members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the Department of Agriculture said on Tuesday.

This aims to help the vulnerable sector cope with inflation, the DA said.

"Ang intention nun para talaga sa targeted beneficiaries natin, mostly mahihirap, senior at solo parents," said Asec. Arnel de Mesa, DA spokesperson said.

"Syempre mahina yung kanilang purchasing power. Yung mahihirap, gusto natin na magkaroon pa ng mas mababang presyo bigas," he added.

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De Mesa said mechanics for a wider rollout are still being finalized.

He said part of the ongoing discussions is the source of funds to subsidize the cheaper rice.

Currently, the prevailing market price of commercial rice is at P49 and above.

"There could be portion na kinakailangan talaga na i-subsidize," De Mesa said.

He said the DA aims to expand the program to help 30 percent of the country's population, which is also the vulnerable and poor sector.

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Identification cards are needed as proof that buyers come from the four categories eligible for cheaper rice.

The sale of cheaper rice starts at 7 a.m. until supplies last, from Monday to Friday.

Currently, it's available in Kadiwa Centers in Quezon City, Caloocan, Valenzuela, Manila, and Las Pinas.

"Maaga pa lang, pumipila na sila, ok naman quality basta nakakain, enough para samin. Ang madalas naming nirerelease, 550 bags yung kinakausap namin pwede bumalik tomorrow," said rice vendor Maricel Sarcia.

Those who have availed of the cheaper rice said it is of good quality, equivalent to regular to well-milled commercial rice.

De Mesa said the general public, while not eligible to buy, may wait for the eventual lowering of rice prices once lower tariffs for imports take effect.

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