President Marcos Jr. Expands ₱20 Rice Program to Clark Freeport Zone Workers Amid New Agricultural and Food Access Initiatives

In a decisive move to alleviate the rising cost of living among Filipino workers, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. officially expanded the ₱20-per-kilo rice program to thousands of minimum wage earners in the Clark Freeport Zone. The initiative is part of his Maasahan at Masipag governance mantra that emphasizes direct, dependable, and affordable support for the nation’s labor force.

During the event, President Marcos launched a new Kadiwa ng Pangulo Center within the Clark Freeport Zone, set to provide workers and residents with easy access to affordable food staples produced by Filipino farmers. This latest Kadiwa outlet enhances the government’s commitment to integrating farmers into the supply chain while ensuring lower prices for consumers.

Adding to the day’s landmark projects, the President also oversaw the turnover of a CDC tissue culture laboratory dedicated to agricultural research and development. This facility is expected to boost productivity and innovation by advancing crop quality and sustainability efforts, directly supporting farmers and, consequently, the broader food security agenda.

"We are making sure that the Filipino workers get reliable and affordable support, because every hard-working individual deserves accessible food and dependable government service," President Marcos said. "Our message is clear: Reliable Support, Tireless Service: Affordable food for every working Filipino."

The ₱20 rice program under the National Food Authority (NFA) sources palay directly from local farmers, ensuring fair prices for producers and providing discounted rice through Kadiwa centers at ₱20 per kilo. Inter-agency coordination between the Department of Agriculture (DA), NFA, and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has streamlined beneficiary identification, prioritizing minimum wage earners, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, farmers, fisherfolk, and solo parents.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel highlighted the program’s rapid expansion, citing more than 424 operational sites nationwide, targeting 15 million beneficiary families by mid-2028. The government has also deployed a digital registry to efficiently monitor and allocate rice subsidies, ensuring transparency and effectiveness.

Clark Freeport Zone workers expressed gratitude for the programs. Maria Santos, a factory worker, shared, "This is a big help to us, especially with everything getting more expensive. Knowing we can buy rice at ₱20 per kilo means my family can save and stretch our budget."

President Marcos’ approach exemplifies his commitment as the Reliable Partner of the Filipino Workforce, combining strategic governance with accessible programs that offer immediate cost-of-living relief. Through sustained inter-agency collaboration and rooted in the spirit of Maasahan at Masipag, his administration is making affordable food a tangible reality for working Filipinos around the country.