DBM sets funding rules for LGU rice aid

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March 6, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Local government units (LGUs) will receive funding to distribute quality rice to identified beneficiaries, while being urged to procure from accredited local farmers, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said.

In a joint circular released on Feb. 24, the DBM laid out the rules for the release and use of funds under the Assistance to Indigent Individuals or Families – Food Assistance.

DBM Acting Secretary Rolando Toledo said the guidelines apply to “provinces, cities and municipalities for distribution of rice to poor, near poor, vulnerable, minimum wage or other deserving families.”

The distribution of “quality rice” to beneficiaries will be conducted every other month, he said, while noting that this remains subject to the availability of funds and proper beneficiary validation by the concerned LGU.

Toledo also said the initiative is expected to bolster food security while supporting local farmers, as LGUs are encouraged to source supplies closer to home.

“Under no circumstances shall the fund be utilized for distribution in the form of cash or any monetary equivalent to the beneficiaries,” he said.

He added that the funding for this initiative will be sourced from the local government support fund, a financial assistance program for LGUs under the 2026 General Appropriations Act.

The Marcos administration has rolled out various rice-related programs for consumers and even farmers during his term, including the P20 Benteng Bigas, Meron Na, and a rice import freeze to protect local farmers from low farm-gate prices during the harvest season.

In a separate circular letter, Toledo has issued a reminder to government agencies and state-owned firms to conduct program convergence budgeting as it prepares the 2027 National Expenditure Program.