Biliran Town Advocates for Nationwide Effort to Lower Rice Prices to PHP20 per Kilo

BILIRAN — In the wake of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), Biliran municipality is calling on local government units (LGUs) across the Philippines to collaborate on reducing the price of rice to PHP20 per kilogram, a goal the town has actively pursued since last year.

According to Philippines News Agency, the municipal agriculture officer of Biliran, the President’s address highlighted the critical issue of high rice prices and the need for collective action among LGUs to make rice more affordable, especially for low-income families. Biliran has already implemented a successful model, where local farmers sell rice at PHP20 per kilogram, facilitated by government aid and local incentives.

Farmers in Biliran have benefited from a localized food security program that allows them to profit while supporting community needs. The town provides free agricultural inputs such as seeds and fertilizers, sourced from the Department of Agriculture, which significantly reduces production costs for farmers. In return, farmers are expected to sell a portion of their rice at reduced prices through Kadiwa stores to ensure access for economically disadvantaged residents.

Antonio detailed the comprehensive support system, including subsidized insurance from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, free irrigation from the National Irrigation Administration, and additional support from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. This integrated approach not only supports farmers but also stabilizes rice prices at a lower rate.

The initiative has shown tangible benefits, with farmers like Lilibeth Abante of Burabod village testifying to the profitability of the scheme despite selling at lower prices. Abante’s family is among the 470 rice farmers participating in the program, which prioritizes families with malnourished children and has already distributed 70 metric tons of rice in Biliran.

President Marcos, in his SONA, underscored the disparity between positive economic indicators and the real-life implications of high food prices on Filipino families, emphasizing the urgent need to address the issue at a national level. Biliran’s proactive measures serve as a potential model for other regions aiming to improve food affordability and security.