ILOILO CITY — In response to presidential directives outlined in Executive Order No. 39, the first wave of payouts to assist affected rice retailers started today, 13 September 2023 at the Iloilo City Vice Mayor’s Office.  

EO. No. 39, which took effect in 5 September 2023, established price ceilings for regular milled rice (RMR) at P41.00 per kilo and well-milled rice (WMR) at P45.00 per kilo.  

Following this, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is working closely with other lead implementing agencies including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Agriculture (DA), the National Food Authority (NFA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). 

In Iloilo City, 100% of verified micro rice retailers were provided cash assistance, with each beneficiary receiving P15,000. According to DTI-6, the distribution program will continue in the entire Iloilo province this week.  

Joining other implementing agencies and local officials of Iloilo during the payout session were DTI-6 OIC-Regional Director Ermelinda Pollentes and Iloilo Provincial Director Ma. Dinda Tamayo. ♦

Date of release: 14 September 2023