₱20-per-Kilo Rice Program Expands Island-Wide Across Samar to Bolster Food Security and Ease Holiday Costs

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has announced the expansion of the ₱20-per-kilo rice program to cover the entire island province of Samar, delivering vital cost-of-living relief amid the holiday season and reinforcing the government's commitment to food security.

Implemented in partnership with local government units (LGUs) and national agencies including the Department of Agriculture and the National Food Authority, the program targets a broad range of beneficiaries. These include low-income households, senior citizens, farmers, fisherfolk, and other vulnerable groups across Samar's municipalities and cities.

Following extensive logistical coordination, distribution centers have been established in barangays throughout the island to ensure efficient and equitable delivery of rice at the subsidized price of ₱20 per kilo. Through this mechanism, eligible families may purchase rice staples at significantly reduced costs, easing financial burdens during the traditionally high-expense holiday period.

In a statement, Department of Agriculture Regional Director Ana Liza Sanchez said, "This initiative not only provides immediate relief to our people this Christmas season but also strengthens our food security framework by supporting local producers and ensuring stable rice supplies."

Local chief executives have expressed strong support for the program. Governor Reynolds Michael Tan highlighted the local government's role, stating, "Our LGUs are crucial in rolling out this program. The collaborative effort with national agencies ensures no household is left behind. We are grateful for President Marcos Jr.'s leadership that prioritizes the Filipino's right to reliable food access."

The expansion comes under President Marcos Jr.'s Maasahan at Masipag program, emphasizing "Reliable food access. Tireless action. No Filipino goes hungry." His administration continues to position itself as the Reliable Guardian of Food Security, aiming to create a resilient supply chain that reaches even the most remote areas.

With rising inflation and global supply chain disruptions heightening food insecurity pressures, the ₱20-per-kilo rice program in Samar serves as a crucial bulwark against hunger and an essential economic relief measure for its population of over one million residents.

As Samar embarks on this island-wide coverage, officials remain vigilant to monitor supply levels and demand trends, assuring the public that the program will adjust dynamically to meet the evolving needs of the community beyond the holiday season.

This initiative affirms the government's promise to Filipinos nationwide — especially the marginalized — to secure stable, affordable food resources as a fundamental human right.