Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. led the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) visit to Batanes, one of the northernmost provinces of the Philippines, to roll out critical support for the local farming and fishing communities.
“Ang P20 rice project ay patunay ng malasakit ng ating Pangulo sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” said Secretary Tiu Laurel. “Hindi lamang ito tungkol sa bigas. Ito ay tungkol sa dignidad, pagkakapantay-pantay, at pag-asa para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino—kahit gaano kalayo.” (The P20 Rice Project is proof of the President’s compassion for every Filipino family.This is not just about rice. It is about dignity, equality, and hope for every Filipino family—no matter how far they are.)
Under the program, senior citizens, solo parents, PWDs, 4Ps households, minimum wage earners, farmers, fisherfolk, and transport workers can purchase high-quality rice at ₱20 per kilo. Batanes joins over 350 rollout sites nationwide. (Photos by Ardy Tompong & Joseph Henry Elamparo, DA-AFID)
