Cebu Government Dedicates P100 Million to Affordable Rice Initiative

Cebu City – In a significant move to address the cost of living, the provincial government of Cebu has announced the allocation of P100 million towards a project aimed at providing affordable rice to residents. The initiative, named Sugbo Merkadong Barato (SMB), will offer National Food Authority (NFA) rice at PHP20 per kilo and commercial rice at a reduced price. This effort is part of a broader strategy to support indigent consumers amid rising inflation.

According to Philippines News Agency, the SMB project will operate five times a week, paralleling the pricing strategy of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo pop-up stores. Garcia has secured the cooperation of local government units (LGUs) in the province to ensure the project’s benefits reach those most in need. The plan involves the Cebu capitol releasing PHP100 million to acquire rice from the NFA, which will then be distributed to the LGUs for sale to disadvantaged groups.

Katherine Bethune, head of the Cebu capitol public information office, elaborated on the logistics of the project in an interview with the Philippine News Agency. She mentioned that the LGUs would be responsible for selling the subsidized rice. The provincial government anticipates absorbing a 10 percent loss on the allocated funds, recognizing that selling rice at these low prices will not cover costs. This sacrifice is seen as necessary to enhance the spending capacity of Cebuanos during this period of high inflation.

Bethune further noted that the initiative is not limited to NFA rice. It also includes the option for consumers to purchase commercial rice at prices lower than the prevailing market rates. The SMB project, set to launch on November 28, extends beyond rice distribution. It will also offer fresh harvests at affordable prices, aiming to provide a comprehensive solution to the rising cost of basic commodities in the region.