The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is planning to expand the P20/kilo rice program for minimum wage earners. According to Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, the agency aims to reach up to 500,000 workers before the end of the year. DOLE is currently working with labor groups and other qualified groups to expand the program's coverage.
During the first rollout of the program, 16,000 workers were able to purchase rice at P20 per kilo. DOLE targets to reach 100,000 beneficiaries this July. DOLE has also contacted employers to ensure that workers who want to benefit from the program are qualified.
This is also not a substitute for a wage increase, according to Laguesma. As the program continues, a public hearing has also begun in Metro Manila regarding the wage increase, and other regions will follow suit.
Apart from rice, DOLE and the Department of Agriculture (DA) will also expand the range of products available at low prices through the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program. Some beneficiaries of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) will participate as suppliers, retailers, or operators of the Kadiwa Stores.
Amount of P2.67 million was allocated for the distribution of Kadiwa retail stores on Labor Day to labor organizations in Central Luzon, Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas. DOLE also plans to use TUPAD to assist with manpower for Kadiwa projects.
