Long Lines and Empty Shelves: Challenges and Successes of the 20-Peso Rice Program in the Philippines

The sale of 20-peso rice in several areas of Luzon and NCR in the Philippines has drawn large crowds. Long queues formed on the first day of the sale, with some locations running out of stock early. "The challenge is logistics and manpower," explained Sec. Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. of the Department of Agriculture, citing shortages of trucks and drivers. Joseph Lo, President and CEO of Food Terminal Inc., emphasized the need for more drivers to maintain a steady supply to Kadiwa stores. GMA Integrated News reporter Bernadette Reyes noted that the rice sold was 25% broken rice. Despite the logistical challenges, the initiative continues to provide affordable rice to Filipinos, highlighting the government's efforts to address food security concerns. One citizen commented, "It's okay, it's cheap, and it's good to eat."