Makabagong San Juan National Government Center, San Juan City
July 29, 2025

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. briefly explained the country’s food security status following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“Technically we are food secure naman, tulad sa rice nga, we have a highest buffer stock in recent history. Tuloy-tuloy naman ang production natin at medyo may problema lang tayo sa baboy at kaunti sa manok, but in general, we are on the way to recovery so, I think by next year, we’ll be in better situation as far as food security is concerned,” he said in an interview during the 2025 Post-SONA Discussions in San Juan City.

The Secretary announced that the nationwide rollout of the PhP20/kilo Rice Program for farmers will happen by August 13 this year and assured that the Department is on track to meet its targets for the year.

To date, the PhP20/kilo rice has been made available in 45 Kadiwa ng Pangulo sites, 13 public markets and 43 partner local government units (LGUs), benefiting approximately 51,697 households, especially those in vulnerable sectors.

The 2025 Post-SONA Discussions aim to amplify and broaden the public discourse on the key messages and priorities outlined in the President’s SONA, as well as provide a comprehensive platform for Cabinet Secretaries and agency heads to elaborate on the Administration’s directives, accomplishments and forward-looking plans.

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