MANILA – The Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) is set to lower the price of rice under the Rice for All (RFA) program from PHP40 per kilogram to PHP38/kg, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Thursday.
The said price will be implemented for the 25 percent broken rice or the RFA25.
“This price reduction will take effect on Friday, just ahead of the implementation of the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) of PHP58/kg for 5 percent broken imported rice,” DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said in a statement.
Other affordable options available in KNP sites include RFA 5 which is 5 percent broken selling for PHP45/kg; RFA 100, also known as Sulit rice, is 100 percent broken at PHP36/kg; and P29, or the aging but good quality rice stock of the National Food Authority (NFA) sold to vulnerable sectors at PHP29/kg.
Tiu Laurel, meanwhile, joined the council meeting of Metro Manila mayors and laid down some of the DA’s programs and requests.
These include the target expansion of KNP kiosks and stores in all public and private markets in Metro Manila; review of market rental rates which affect retailers’ sale of rice; labeling requirements on retail rice; setting the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at PHP58/kg for 5 percent broken imported rice on Jan. 20, with a two-week review for lowering of MSRP; and the sale of NFA rice in all local government units at PHP36/kg in February.
Mobile KNPs
For his part, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora welcomed the DA’s proposal and request for assistance for the KNP expansion.
“Kami po sa San Juan, mayroon din kaming regular na Kadiwa ng Pangulo sa city hall mismo. So, talagang dinadagsa po iyon at tina-timing natin na araw ng sweldo para mayroon tayong natural market (In San Juan, we also have the regular KNP in city hall. So, it’s being flocked and we are scheduling it during pay days so we have a natural market),” he said.
Zamora, however, suggested mobile KNPs since some LGUs have no permanent structures for the expansion.
“Baka pwede tayong gumawa ng (Perhaps we can try a) hybrid method such as mobile Kadiwa. Kasi minsan ang challenge po (Because sometimes the challenge) really is the structure, where to put it,” he said.
In response, Tiu Laurel bared plans to launch mobile KNPs, saying the Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI) has already procured 24 trucks, with plans to rent additional units.
To date, there are more than 20 KNP centers and kiosks in Metro Manila, while there are 150 public and private markets in the metropolis. (PNA)