Manila: Beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Walang Gutom Program (WGP) can now purchase rice for PHP20 per kilo following a new partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) under the Kadiwa ng Pangulo initiative.

According to Philippines News Agency, the collaboration, called 'Benteng Bigas, Meron Na sa WGP,' was officially launched during a food redemption activity at Morsac Basketball Court in Barangay 69, Tondo, Manila. This initiative supports President R. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s anti-hunger campaign by making rice more affordable for vulnerable households.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian stated that the initiative allows beneficiaries to buy rice at a significantly reduced price from DA-accredited retailers and Kadiwa outlets. He emphasized that through this partnership, beneficiaries can purchase rice at an unprecedented PHP20 per kilo, considerably increasing the value of their food credits and helping families access healthier meals.

Initial beneficiaries include solo parents, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities enrolled in the WGP. Each household receives PHP3,000 in monthly food credits through electronic benefit transfer cards. These credits can be used to purchase rice and other nutritious food items on scheduled distribution days, after completing required nutrition education sessions.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. explained that selling rice to WGP beneficiaries helps the National Food Authority make space for palay purchases from farmers at fair prices. He added that the partnership with DSWD assists financially challenged families and supports local agriculture.

The DA is committed to ensuring marginalized families have steady access to affordable, nutritious food through Kadiwa outlets and accredited suppliers supporting the program. The WGP is part of the administration's broader social protection efforts to reduce food insecurity and manage inflation for low-income households.

To date, the program has served over 300,000 families and aims to reach 750,000 households by 2028.