The Marcos administration has prioritized social services through comprehensive food security programs and ambitious housing initiatives, directly addressing basic needs that affect millions of Filipino families.
Revolutionary food security
President Marcos’ decision to serve as Agriculture Secretary demonstrated unprecedented hands-on leadership in food security. The administration achieved record-breaking rice harvests each year, with continuous production increases reducing the country’s dependence on imports.
The flagship ₱20 rice program, launched in 2025, represents a paradigm shift in food accessibility. Starting as a pilot in the Visayas region, the program targets indigents, senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, and minimum wage earners, allowing them to purchase up to 30 kilograms per month at the subsidized price.
The National Food Authority’s procurement strategy supports both consumers and farmers by buying palay at above-market prices (₱23-₱24 per kilo) while selling milled rice at ₱20 per kilo. This dual approach ensures farmers receive fair compensation while making rice affordable for vulnerable sectors.
Comprehensive food distribution network
The administration expanded the KADIWA ng Pangulo centers, creating direct market linkages between farmers and consumers. These community markets, established through partnerships between the Department of Agriculture and Philippine Postal Corporation, bring affordable food products closer to Filipino families.
The Walang Gutom 2027 food stamp program complements the ₱20 rice initiative, providing comprehensive food security support for vulnerable populations. Distribution models provide 5 to 10 kilos of rice per family per week, with plans to reach up to 2 million low-income households by the end of 2025.
Housing for every Filipino
The administration launched an ambitious housing program with 56 projects in various stages by February 2025. Building on earlier achievements, approximately 1.2 to 1.3 million housing units were started by early 2023 to address the country’s housing backlog.
The housing initiative focuses on providing decent, affordable homes for low-income families, with particular attention to urban areas where housing costs have become prohibitive for many working families.
Agricultural modernization, farmer support
Beyond food prices, the administration invested heavily in agricultural productivity through modern farm machinery, irrigation systems, and research on new rice varieties. These investments aim to boost farmers’ productivity while reducing production costs.
Over 130,000 land titles were distributed to farmers in the past two years, securing their ownership and encouraging agricultural investment. The administration also provided financial and technical assistance to improve farming techniques and crop yields.
Anti-corruption and quality assurance
The administration implemented strict quality control measures for food programs. The National Food Authority conducts rigorous quality checks, including physical inspections and laboratory testing, while following “first in, first out” inventory policies to prevent spoilage.
Anti-smuggling and anti-hoarding operations protect both farmers from unfair competition and consumers from price manipulation. These efforts help stabilize food prices and ensure program sustainability.
Integration with economic policy
The social services approach integrates with broader economic policy through the Department of Labor and Employment’s participation in the ₱20 rice program, extending benefits to minimum wage earners. This convergence improves purchasing power while supporting agricultural development.
The administration’s commitment to sustain the ₱20 rice program until 2028 provides certainty for both beneficiaries and farmers, enabling long-term planning and investment in agricultural productivity.
President Marcos has emphasized that these social programs must balance consumer affordability with farmer welfare, ensuring that government intervention strengthens rather than distorts agricultural markets while providing essential support to Filipino families.
