By Xander Ledesma
The Cebu Provincial Government will soon offer rice at P20 per kilo under its new program, Sugbo Merkadong Barato (SMB), in an attempt at fulfilling President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s campaign promise of affordable rice. Governor Gwen Garcia announced the program on October 25, 2023, during a meeting with Cebu’s mayors, outlining the initiative’s aim to provide affordable rice and fresh produce to low-income households across the province.
Under SMB, the Capitol will allocate P100 million to purchase rice from the National Food Authority (NFA), which will then be distributed equally among Cebu’s 51 local government units (LGUs). These LGUs will sell the rice to indigent families identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Additionally, SMB will offer fresh farm and sea products directly from local farmers and fishers at lower prices.
The Capitol will also set aside another P100 million to buy commercial rice, available to the public at a reduced price, provided that buyers also purchase other SMB products. Despite expected losses of around 10% from selling rice at a lower rate, the Capitol is moving forward with the program to support local families. SMB is set to launch in November, with the aim of alleviating food expenses for Cebu’s most vulnerable communities.