Iloilo City: The National Irrigation Administration in Western Visayas (NIA-VI) has successfully sold approximately 1.24 million kilograms of low-cost rice since launching its initiative in September 2024.

According to Philippines News Agency, NIA-VI data reveals that to date, the administration has sold 604,356.26 kilograms of the “Rice for All” at PHP35 per kilo. Additionally, 63,899.30 bags, each weighing 10 kilograms, of the “Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka” (BBM) rice have been sold at PHP29 per kilogram. NIA VI public relations officer Danielle Pijuan explained in a recent interview that the PHP29 per kilo rice is specifically meant for beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), as well as solo parents, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and senior citizens. The PHP35 per kilo option is available to everyone.

Pijuan noted that at the start of the program, NIA prepared a total of 668,605.04 kilograms for the “Rice for All” initiative and 67,566.60 bags of BBM rice. Currently, they have 64,248.78 kilograms remaining for “Rice for All” and 3,667.30 bags of BBM rice, which translates to a total of around 100,921.78 kilograms still available.

These rice products are distributed through local government units according to a schedule set by irrigation management offices and are predominantly sold at the Kadiwa ng Pangulo in NIA outlets. For the PHP29/kg rice, purchases are limited to one bag per week, and buyers must present identification.

Pijuan emphasized that NIA will continue to offer cheaper rice as long as supplies last. The Rice for All and BBM rice supplies come from the agency’s contract farming program. Under this program, a farmer or irrigators association receives a subsidy of PHP50,000 in cash and farm inputs for each hectare of rice field. Post-harvest, the farmer is required to deliver five metric tons to NIA. Half of the well-milled rice is allocated to Kadiwa stores and sold at PHP29/kg, while the other half is sold at PHP35 per kilogram or at the prevailing market price.

Currently, the contract farming program spans 1,290.39 hectares across the region. Pijuan highlighted that the primary goal of NIA is to make low-cost and affordable rice accessible to the masses. The initiative aims to empower local farmers to supply affordable rice and reduce reliance on middlemen.