THE Department of Agriculture (DA) and MerryMart have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will allow the government to sell lower-priced rice in the retailer’s branches under the government’s Rice-for-All Program.
The deal was said to be a result of a meeting last week between the department and grocery and convenience store chains.
“We need more good corporate citizens like MerryMart who are ready to extend a helping hand to assist the government in looking after the welfare of Filipinos, especially those who need relief from unwarranted price pressures,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.
The MOU was signed by Tiu Laurel, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra, MerryMart President and Chief Operating Officer Ferdinand Sia and Corporate Secretary Jacqueline Ann Marie Gomez.
The DA has moved to sell lower-priced rice — previously only available in the government’s Kadiwa stores — as retail prices of the staple remain high despite measures such as lower import tariffs.
MerryMart’s Sia said that the agreement was aligned with the firm’s corporate social initiatives.
“This is our way of helping Filipinos,” he said. “We know that rice is very important.”
The deal will also allow the government to sell other farm goods using MerryMart branches.
Both parties committed to provide the necessary technical support and promote the partnership to raise awareness about affordable food options for the public.
While not legally binding, the MOU will remain in effect until the end of 2028 unless amended or terminated by either of the parties.
Tiu Laurel said the cheaper rice could possibly be available in MerryMart branches starting next week, but added that the list of participating outlets had yet to be finalized.
The retailer is also launching its MerryRice promo today, with well-milled rice to be sold at P29 per kilo, using stocks sourced that will be sourced from the private sector and not the government.
Fifty-kilogram bags will be available through the MM Wholesale app with a one-sack limit for every transaction.
