Kidapawan City, Philippines – January 7, 2025
Despite the devastating effects of El Niño and La Niña in 2024, the City Government of Kidapawan has prioritized ensuring food security for its residents. Through the Luntian Rice Program, the city implemented innovative measures to provide affordable rice, assist farmers, and boost local agricultural production.
Under this program, the City Government directly purchased palay (unhusked rice) from local farmers, processed it into rice, and made it available to residents at just ₱25 per kilo. According to the 2024 Accomplishment Report by the Office of the City Agriculturist, many families benefited from this affordable rice initiative.
Supporting Local Farmers
In 2024, the City Government procured 500,000 kilos of fresh palay, valued at approximately ₱9 million, from 240 rice farmers. The program also included a buy-back scheme facilitated by the City Agricultural Market and Trading Center. To further support farmers, the city provided a 50% fertilizer subsidy and implemented a cost-recovery scheme, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.
Vegetable farmers similarly benefited from the city’s initiatives. The Trading Center purchased 424,000 kilos of vegetables, valued at ₱9.5 million, while farmers received 50% subsidies for seedlings, pesticides, and fertilizers, significantly reducing their production costs.
Promoting Aquaculture
To support fish producers, the City Government bought 21,000 kilograms of tilapia worth over ₱2.6 million from 131 local tilapia producers. This initiative aimed to strengthen the aquaculture sector and provide additional sources of income for fish farmers.
National Recognition
The City Government’s proactive measures in addressing food security amid climate challenges have not gone unnoticed. It was honored with the Walang Gutom National Award for its efforts to combat hunger and the Green Banner Award from the Regional Nutritional Council, recognizing its commitment to sustainable and nutritious food programs.
These initiatives highlight the City Government’s dedication to fostering resilience and sustainability in the agriculture sector while ensuring affordable food access for its citizens, even in the face of environmental challenges.