Affordable Rice Relief for Philippine Educators
In a significant move to support the education sector, the Philippine government has officially extended its subsidized rice program to public school teachers and personnel. The Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Education (DepEd) formalized this initiative through a memorandum of understanding signed on Friday, November 28, 2025, during the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Expo in Manila.
National Rollout for School Personnel
The partnership grants approximately 800,000 DepEd personnel direct access to rice at just PHP20 per kilogram under the Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na program. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that this expansion will make affordable rice more accessible through the school system, particularly benefiting remote and far-flung areas starting January 2026.
Secretary Laurel specifically mentioned that the program aims to reach island and upland communities in Camarines Sur, Romblon, Camiguin, and other challenging locations. This strategic approach ensures that even teachers in the most isolated schools can benefit from the initiative.
Implementation and Future Impact
Education Secretary Sonny Angara expressed his satisfaction with the formalization of the program, noting that Kadiwa stores will soon be established within school premises. Under the agreed framework, DepEd will take responsibility for validating eligible beneficiaries during Kadiwa selling days and coordinating monthly distribution schedules.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture will ensure a consistent supply of affordable, quality rice and other agricultural products. This initiative represents a crucial component of the DA's nationwide BBM Na expansion, which targets serving 15 million households by next year.
