In a recent development, the “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” (KNP) program held in the Bicol Region saw several participating stalls selling rice at an affordable price of PHP20 per kg. The Presidential Communications Office (PCO), citing information from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), confirmed that the rice was sold on April 25 during the launch of the KNP at NIA’s Albay-Catanduanes Irrigation Management Office (ACIMO) in Ligao City, Albay.
The PCO further stated that members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, elderlies, and persons with special needs were among those prioritized to receive the PHP20 per kg. rice. Regular customers, however, were able to purchase rice at PHP35 per kg.
The NIA, as quoted by the PCO news release, said, “It serves as a way for Irrigators Associations (IAs) to return the blessings they received from the government to less privileged people for their community.” In addition to rice, the NIA also reported that different fruits and vegetables, several delicacies, and other farm products were sold at affordable prices.
The successful implementation of the project was made possible through the concerted efforts of NIA Regional Manager Engr. Gaudencio M. De Vera, Albay-Catanduanes IMO Manager Engr. Jessie D. Baynas, and ACIMO IA Federation president Melanio Bañares.
The NIA emphasized its commitment to increasing rice production towards the realization of the “Bagong Pilipinas” envisioned by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. This initiative is a significant step towards achieving that goal.