MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday vowed to push for the passage of key agriculture-related measures aimed at institutionalizing the ₱20 per kilo rice program of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In a meeting with Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. and Undersecretary Alvin John Balagbag, Romualdez said he would personally sponsor the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) priority bills and place them at the top of the 20th Congress’ legislative agenda.

“These are not just bills — they are blueprints for lasting change,” Romualdez said. “Legislation is the strongest tool we have to make this program permanent.”

Among the priority measures adopted by the Speaker were:

• Amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law to restore key regulatory powers to the National Food Authority;
• Livestock Development and Competitiveness Act;
• Philippine Corn Industry Development Act;
• Onion Research Center Act;
• Amendments to the Seed Industry Development Act of 1992;
• Amendments to the Local Government Code to enhance agricultural extension services at the local level.

Romualdez said these measures are essential to supporting farmers and ensuring the long-term affordability of rice. He added that the program is not just about lowering rice prices but also about protecting consumers from price shocks and strengthening the agriculture sector.

“Affordable rice must not be a seasonal miracle but a daily reality,” he said.

Also present during the meeting were House Committee on Agriculture Chairperson Mark Enverga, House Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe, Deputy Speaker David Suarez, Representatives Jurdin Jesus Romualdo and Johnny Pimentel, Deputy Speaker Antonio Albano, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, and Isabela Governor Rodito Albano III.

Romualdez assured the Department of Agriculture of Congress’ support in enacting the proposed reforms.