Cebu to roll out P360-million rice subsidy program

Local

AMID rising rice prices and growing economic pressure, Cebu is preparing to extend direct assistance to its most vulnerable families across the province.

The Cebu Provincial Government will roll out a P360-million rice subsidy program next month, Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces confirmed.

The funding comes from the P720-million Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) allocated by the national government.

The province has already secured the first tranche of P360 million, while another P360 million is expected to be released in a subsequent phase.

“Happy kaayo ta mga Cebuano ani kay this time ma roll-out na nato ang program assigned to that the P360 million plus another P360 million in the next run,” Empaces said.

He emphasized the provincial government’s commitment to supporting families under economic strain.

The rice subsidy program is designed to reach approximately 25 percent of households in Cebu, with priority given to families most affected by the continued rise in food prices.

Each eligible household is set to receive 10 kilograms of rice, which provincial officials consider a meaningful contribution amid current market rates.

Selection of beneficiaries will rely on data from the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS), which provides updated socio-economic information at the local level.

This data will be cross-checked with records from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to ensure that assistance is accurately distributed and duplication is avoided.

Local government units have also been tasked with validating their respective lists of beneficiaries to reinforce transparency and accountability throughout the rollout.

Coordination with other agencies is also underway to prevent overlap with existing support initiatives, such as the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program of the Department of Labor and Employment.

This approach ensures that aid reaches as many households in need as possible while minimizing redundancy with other government interventions.

Empaces emphasized that no one should be left behind, noting that while everyone is affected by the crisis, the impact varies in degree.

He added that families already struggling financially would face even greater difficulties, underscoring the government’s focus on those experiencing the most severe economic strain.

Beyond immediate food assistance, the second tranche of the LGSF will also be allocated to farm-to-market road projects.

This program comes as national government expands rice assistance to vulnerable families and transport workers.

During her recent visit in Mandaue City, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the distribution of local rice forms part of the national rice assistance program aimed at supporting middle-class workers and vulnerable families. (MyTVCebu)