Lapu-Lapu City Enhances Rice Subsidy with P3 Million Allocation
In a significant move to bolster food security, the Lapu-Lapu City Government has allocated P3 million from its General Fund to procure additional rice supplies. This initiative is designed to strengthen the ongoing P20-per-kilogram rice program, ensuring that more residents can benefit from affordable staple food.
Expanding Distribution and Supply Chains
Beyond the rice distributed through the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), Mayor Ma. Cynthia "Cindi" King-Chan has authorized the purchase of an extra P3 million worth of rice from a food processing and distribution hub. This step aims to increase stocks available for sale at subsidized prices, addressing the needs of vulnerable communities.
Councilor Annabeth Cuizon, chair of the Committee on Social Services, Senior Citizens, and Persons with Disabilities, confirmed in a message to SunStar Cebu on Sunday, April 19, 2026, that the necessary documents for this initiative were already sent to Manila on the previous Friday, April 17. According to Cuizon, the first scheduled rice procurement is set for Thursday, April 23.
Targeting Wider Community Benefits
In a media interview earlier, Cuizon emphasized that the additional supply will enable the city government to conduct its own simultaneous distribution. This effort is focused on ensuring that more households, particularly those in mainland barangays, Olango Island, and neighboring small islands, can access the program.
The P3 million allocation is part of a larger P10 million Food Security program approved under Supplemental Budget No. 1. Purchases will be made in phases based on the supply obtained from FTI, allowing for flexible and responsive management of resources.
Sustaining the Initiative for Long-Term Impact
Cuizon further noted that once the initial 3,000 sacks are depleted, the city government plans to purchase another batch to continue the initiative. This phased approach ensures that the program remains sustainable and can adapt to changing community needs over time.
The affordable rice program is primarily reserved for vulnerable sectors identified by FTI. However, a City Ordinance permits the inclusion of additional qualified beneficiaries as distribution expands, enhancing inclusivity and reach.
Extending Reach to Remote Areas
As part of the third Crisis Management Meeting in the city, Mayor Chan announced that the national government's P20-per-kilogram Rice Program has been extended to Olango Island and the neighboring small islands of Barangay Caubian. This expansion marks a critical step in addressing food insecurity in more isolated regions.
A total of 116 sacks of rice were distributed to barangays in Pangan-an and Caohagan on Olango Island, while 90 sacks were delivered to Caubian. These efforts have benefited over 1,000 listed beneficiaries across the three areas, demonstrating the program's growing impact.
