Public School Teachers and Personnel Now Included in Government’s ₱20-Per-Kilo Rice Program

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Education (DepEd) have formally expanded the government’s ₱20-per-kilo rice program to include public school teachers and non-teaching personnel. The announcement was made following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Expo in Intramuros, Manila.

Under the agreement, approximately 800,000 public school teachers and DepEd personnel nationwide will be eligible to purchase rice at the subsidized rate through designated government channels.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that the initial rollout will prioritize geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

“Ang plano naming unahin… yung pinakamalayong areas muna,” Secretary Tiu Laurel said.

He identified select islands in Camarines Sur and Romblon as pilot sites for the program’s implementation for educators.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara expressed strong support for the initiative, noting its potential to ease the financial burden on teachers, especially those serving in remote communities where market prices tend to be higher.

Before the expansion to educators, the DA had already integrated transport workers into the subsidized rice program as part of the government’s broader effort to support essential labor sectors.

In line with the initiative, the DA recently launched an online registry system enabling eligible beneficiaries to register and obtain a QR code to streamline transactions and ensure efficient access to the subsidized rice supply.

The inclusion of teachers and school personnel underscores the government’s commitment to supporting frontline public servants and enhancing food affordability across vulnerable communities.