ILOILO City — To support both the agriculture sector and marginalized groups, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region 6 launched the “Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka Rice” initiative at its gymnasium in Barangay Tacas, Jaro district.
The scheme enables marginalized groups such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and solo parents to purchase rice at a subsidized price of P29 per kilogram.
To participate, eligible individuals must present a valid government identification card at the KADIWA Store located in NIA-6. Each can buy a 10-kilogram bag of rice for P290.
During the launch, NIA-6 sold about 1,000 bags to members of the marginalized sector from both the city and province of Iloilo.
Besides rice, these groups can also purchase other agricultural products available at the KADIWA Store.
Engr. Jonel Borres, acting regional manager of NIA-6, said “Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka Rice” was introduced to support the agriculture sector and achieve food security nationwide.
“Imagine being able to buy or provide rice at P29 per kilogram. It’s a significant difference compared to the market price, which is over P50 per kilogram. This greatly aids our society’s marginalized sector,” Borres told Panay News.
The rice sold at the KADIWA Store originates from farmers enrolled in NIA’s contract farming program, who receive P50,000 worth of support per crop season, including farm inputs, cash assistance, and technical support.
These farmers are expected to produce at least five metric tons of rice per hectare, which is then sold through NIA-6 for P29 per kilogram. Surplus produce can be sold by the farmers at market prices, aiding their income.
To ensure the program’s sustainability, NIA-6 conducted a pilot testing on 1,290 hectares in the region, with harvests planned for September to October.
Borres revealed plans to expand the initiative to NIA’s provincial offices, including Guimaras, Antique, Capiz, Aklan, and Negros Occidental, following the harvest.
He also noted that the planted areas under the contract farming program are expected to increase to 4,000 hectares by 2025, expanding further by 2026 or until the end of the president’s term.
“This initiative is currently prioritizing the marginalized sector as part of our pilot phase. Once it proves sustainable, we plan to open it up to the general public,” Borres added./PN
