Affordable Rice for All? The Troubled Reign of Cebu's P20 Rice Program
Unsustainable Price of P20 per kilo reportedly unviable for long-term use.
The P20 per kilo rice program, Cebu's pet project aimed at providing cheap grains for its residents, has seen better days. As the city prepares to usher in a new governor, Pamela Baricuatro, doubts about the program's long-term survivability are surfacing like weeds in a damp rice paddy.
In the thick of the midterm elections, the program faced a brief halt. But now, with the polls behind us, Pamela's concerns about the program's financial sustainability stare us in the face. The question on everyone's lips: Can the program manage to keep dishing out affordable rice, or is it on a one-way ticket to the doldrums?
"I just don't see this thing being sustainable," Pamela said in an interview with Radio dzRH. And she's not the only one voicing such worries. With a thorough review of the province's and local government units' financial resources on the horizon, the program's future hangs in the balance.
But is the program truly paying out more than it takes in? According to reports, the government's coffers have been running on empty for some time now. So, as Pamela stresses, a careful check of the books is in order.
The program, a key promise from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s presidential campaign, had a humble beginning in Cebu. With outgoing Governor Gwendolyn Garcia announcing its introduction in a meeting with fellow mayors on April 25, the program was off to its bumpy ride. The program promised to sell rice at just P20 per kilo, a welcome relief for many low-income families.
However, the program's road to success wasn't paved with gold. initiatives. The program had to temporarily halt its services to comply with the Commission on Elections' election spending ban leading up to the May 12 elections. But with the elections behind us, the program's goodie bags have been dusted off and are once again being distributed in various towns and cities, including Catmon, Santander, Moalboal, and Carcar City.
Despite the concerns, the Department of Agriculture remains committed to the program. The initiative is part of a wider movement to fulfill President Marcos' campaign promise of affordable rice. But will the program last until 2028, as promised? With growing doubts and financial constraints, only time will tell if the program can keep its promises.
As Pamela steps into the driver's seat, she faces a tough decision: re-evaluate, restructure, or cut her losses? Whatever she decides, one thing is certain: the future of Cebu's P20 rice program lies squarely in her hands.
[4]: https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1944814/cebu/local-news/p20-rice-program-to-resume-in-santander, and other localities
- In the wake of the midterm elections, the incoming Governor of Cebu, Pamela Baricuatro, expressed concerns about the financial sustainability of the P20 per kilo rice program, a key initiative introduced by former Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.
- With a review of the province's and local government units' financial resources on the horizon, the future of the P20 rice program remains uncertain, sparking discussions in general news and policy-and-legislation circles.
- The P20 rice program, originating from Cebu, is part of a wider movement initiated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure affordable rice for all Filipinos, but its future is subject to political decisions and finance policy changes.
- As Pamela prepares to govern, she must weigh potential re-evaluation, restructuring, or implementing cuts for the P20 rice program, as reported by local news sources like Sunstar Cebu. The final outcome will undoubtedly have a significant impact on Cebu's culture and the well-being of its low-income families.
