Philippines Expands Affordable Rice Program to Include Minimum Wage Earners

The Philippine government is taking steps to address the rising cost of living and food insecurity for minimum wage earners. The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced plans to include minimum wage earners in their affordable rice program, allowing them to purchase rice at 20 pesos per kilogram starting in June. "This is a significant step towards ensuring food security for our most vulnerable citizens," said a DA spokesperson. The program is currently being piloted in select areas, with the DA and DOLE working to expand its reach to include more minimum wage earners across the country. The initiative is expected to alleviate the burden on low-income families and improve their access to essential food staples. The expansion of the program is a positive step towards improving the lives of many Filipino workers and families.