Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has assured consumers that there will be no upward trend in the retail prices of both imported and local rice during the lean months in the country.
According to Philippines News Agency, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa announced at a press conference that rice supply and prices are expected to remain stable. This comes after the government decided to resume rice importation following a successful harvest season during a four-month import ban. De Mesa highlighted that the country experienced a good palay (unhusked rice) harvest in 2025, resulting in rice imports settling at 3.37 million metric tons, a significant decrease from the record-high 4.8 million metric tons in 2024.
With the resumption of rice importation, De Mesa stated that imported rice would reach the market within the month, contributing to stable market prices. As of the latest report, the average price of premium or 5-percent broken imported rice in Metro Manila stands at PHP50/kg, with a range of PHP45 to PHP56/kg, based on DA-Bantay Presyo's (price watch) data. Imported well-milled rice is priced at PHP47/kg, while imported regular-milled rice is at PHP42/kg. Local rice prices remain steady, with premium varieties at PHP50/kg, well-milled at PHP45/kg, and regular milled at PHP40/kg.
De Mesa also mentioned that the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) has implemented updated measures on rice importation to protect both local farmers and consumers. The importation has resumed, but only through selected ports to ensure rigorous monitoring. These ports include Subic, Batangas, Cebu, and several others across the nation.
Additionally, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. indicated that the DA might revise the current PHP43 per kilogram maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for 5-percent broken imported rice. He explained that due to the recent devaluation of the peso and the anticipated tariff increase on imported rice from 15 percent to 20 percent, a new MSRP of PHP45 per kilo might be issued by January 16. The tariff adjustment is set to take effect on the same date.
