Government Expands P20-per-Kilo Rice Program to Jeepney and Tricycle Drivers, Strengthens Food Security

In a decisive step forward to broaden aid coverage, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced today that jeepney and tricycle drivers will be included in the P20-per-kilo subsidized rice program, with distributions set to begin on September 16 in five pilot areas. Navotas City, which has 4,000 accredited drivers, has been identified as one of the initial locations for rollout. This strategic expansion follows earlier efforts targeting minimum wage earners, rice farmers, fisherfolk, solo parents, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and 4Ps beneficiaries.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. explained that the program’s phased approach aims to collect vital data on consumption patterns, logistics, and supply requirements. These insights will guide plans for a nationwide expansion in 2026, which President Marcos envisions could reach 15 million households.

A significant innovation accompanying the rollout is the P20 App, launching on October 1. Designed to optimize logistics, it is expected to enhance transparency and curb potential abuse in the distribution process. Meanwhile, national rice stocks remain robust. The National Food Authority (NFA) is preparing to auction 1.2 million bags of rice in October—with government relief agencies receiving priority access before the private sector becomes eligible.

The extension of the subsidized rice program to include jeepney and tricycle drivers underscores the administration’s ongoing commitment to food security and social protection across socio-economic sectors, reinforcing its efforts to ease inflation’s impact on vulnerable populations.