PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s pronouncement that P20 per kilo rice is achievable drew mixed reactions from residents, with some expressing doubt and others holding onto hope.
During his third State of the Nation Address on July 28, Marcos said the P20 per kilo rice target is “possible” and that efforts have already begun in Visayas and parts of Mindanao.
“Napatunayan na natin ang beynte pesos na bigas na hindi malulugi ang magsasaka,” Marcos said.
He highlighted successful launches in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao and announced plans to allocate P103 billion to strengthen Department of Agriculture programs and establish more Kadiwa centers nationwide.
However, Ruth Mae Bagay, 24, a mother of two from Cugman, Cagayan de Oro, was skeptical.
“Imposible na kaayo na, three years na man,” Bagay said, noting she had just bought rice for P42.
Mariz Naelga of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, questioned the sustainability of such a price.
“Tag P20 lagi pero mag subsidize man sad ang gobyerno, mao ra nga storya,” she said.
May An Tan, a cafe owner in Cagayan de Oro, also expressed a lack of faith in the government’s promise.
“Di nako muasa anang tag P20 nga bugas,” Tan said.
In contrast, Maristela Achas, 54, also from Tagoloan, urged patience.
“Tagaan sad nato syag chance, lisod sad bya na nga kabag-ohan, if mahitabo mas maayo,” Achas said.
Marcos also issued a warning to illegal traders during his address.
“Binabalaan ko ang mga trader na magtatakang magmanipula nang mga ng presyo nang palay o nang bigas na manloloko sa mga magsasaka, hahabulin namin kayo,” he said, adding that illegal trading is a threat and “economic sabotage.”
