After Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. announced of the rollout of P20-per-kilogram rice to pilot in the Visayas regions, consumers have expressed differing opinions.

A few consumers are happy at the program.

"Mabuti at nangyari na ang ipinangako niya (President Bongbong Marcos). Good news lalo na sa amin na isang kahig, isang tuka,” Madelyn Japitana, a consumer, said.

However, other consumers are not convinced rice at P20 a kilo is feasible.

"Parang hindi na siguro aabot sa P20 dahil pataas nang pataas pa rin. P47 pa rin ang kilo, ang iba nga P60. Hindi ako naniniwala,” said Razel Paseo, a consumer.

According to the Department of Agriculture (DA), the national government and the local government unit (LGU) will subsidize the program so that beneficiaries, or indigents in the list of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, can buy a maximum of 10 kilos of the P20-per-kilo rice.

“Sa ngayon yan, we're launching it here because mas marami ang nangangailangan sa mga regions na iyon. But of course, eventual intention nitong programa na ito once we sort out all the issues logistically para makita talaga how to operate it, launch it, and manage it, nationwide ito eventually,” Laurel said.

According to DA 6, they are yet set to meet with government agencies and LGUs on the rollout.

"As of now, wala pa tayong details on how to implement, when and where i-launch ang project. But for sure, maibebenta 'yan sa 20 pesos na bigas,” according to James Earl Ogatis, DA 6 spokesperson.

The regional director of National Food Authority has not granted yet GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas an interview, but he earlier confirmed that stock is approximately at 103,000 bags of rice for the program.