President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to supporting Filipino farmers, ensuring affordable food for all, and accelerating infrastructure development in the Visayas and across the country.
Speaking before thousands at the One Cebu People’s Rally held at the Dumanjug Sports Complex (Mega Dome), President Marcos emphasized the government’s continuing efforts to modernize agriculture and improve the daily lives of Filipino families.
One of the key highlights of his address was the rollout of the ₱20-per-kilo rice program in the Visayas, set to begin immediately after the Commission on Elections’ 10-day spending ban concludes on May 12.
“Kaya’t pinropropose ko po sa lahat ng mga gobernador ng Visayas, sabi ko, ‘Bakit ‘di natin subukan itong ₱20 per kilo dito sa inyo?’” the President said, drawing applause from the crowd.
While the temporary ban delayed the program’s expansion, President Marcos praised Cebu for launching it early.
“Sinabi ng COMELEC, hindi puwede May 2 to 12 kaya natigil. Pero anong probinsya ang nakapaglunsad ng ₱20 per kilo noong May 1? Cebu lang! Bakit? Dahil handa na ang Cebu,” he said.
While awaiting full implementation, Cebuanos can already purchase ₱29-per-kilo rice at seven active KADIWA centers, with more sites planned.
To help stabilize food prices nationwide, the administration also reduced the suggested retail price (SRP) of imported rice from ₱49 to ₱45 per kilo and temporarily slashed tariffs from 30% to 15%.
President Marcos also pointed to Cebu’s strong agricultural defense, highlighting the province’s zero cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) from January to April 2025. He credited this success to the Department of Agriculture’s intensified vaccination campaign and the cooperation of local stakeholders.
Since July 2022, the government has distributed over 36,230 post-harvest machines across the country to boost farm productivity and ensure better-quality harvests.
In infrastructure, President Marcos reported ongoing road and bridge projects in Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue Cities that will reduce travel time between Mactan-Cebu International Airport and the Cebu Port Area from 45 to just 25 minutes.
He also highlighted the construction of the Cebu International Container Port, a 25-hectare modern terminal expected to significantly enhance cargo capacity and logistics efficiency in Region 7.
“These efforts are just the beginning,” the President said. “We will continue to invest in our farmers, in infrastructure, and in the welfare of every Filipino family.”
