Lawmaker Calls for Investigation into Distribution of Inedible Rice to Teachers

In a recent development that has stirred controversy, ACT TEACHERS Party-list Representative France Castro has demanded an investigation into the distribution of inedible rice as part of the one-time rice allowance for teachers. This rice allowance, intended as a form of support for teachers, has been marred by reports of poor quality rice being distributed.

“Teachers have been waiting for this rice allowance, only to receive rice that is nearly rotten and inedible. This is an insult to our educators. Why is this happening?” questioned Castro. The reports and complaints about the low-quality rice have come from teachers in various regions including Nueva Ecija, Mindoro, Bacolod City, and Zamboanga del Norte.

ACT Chairperson Vladimer Quetua expressed the teachers’ disappointment, stating, “The teachers are extremely dismayed at the very low quality of rice they received because it is almost inedible. The rice received in Mindoro is yellowish and smells. The rice received in Nueva Ecija is dark and seems to be rotting. The rice received in Bacolod City is also infested, so some teachers just fed it to the chickens.”

This rice allowance for teachers is a part of Administrative Order No. 2, s. 2022, signed by President Marcos in December 2021. However, as of June 2023, the distribution of this allowance has been fraught with issues, leading to calls for an urgent investigation from Congress. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines has been at the forefront of these calls, urging the Department of Education (DepEd) and the national government to ensure the quality of rice provided is fit for human consumption.