The Isabela provincial government has expanded its Rice Assistance Program, distributing free rice to 999 teaching and non-teaching personnel of the Department of Education, according to a report by BusinessWorld. The program aims to support both farmers and consumers by guaranteeing a market for locally produced palay (unmilled rice) while providing food aid to public servants.
The Rice Assistance Program is a flagship initiative of the provincial government, designed to stabilize farm incomes by purchasing palay directly from local farmers at competitive prices. The milled rice is then distributed to identified beneficiaries, including government employees and vulnerable households. The recent distribution to DepEd personnel is part of a broader effort to reach more sectors.
The program has been cited as an economic lifeline in Isabela, one of the country's top rice-producing provinces. By ensuring a stable market for farmers and reducing rice costs for consumers, the initiative helps mitigate the impact of price volatility and supports local food security.