Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday appealed to importers to temporarily halt the entry of 5-percent broken imported rice to support Filipino farmers. This initiative aims to protect local farmers from the adverse effects of cheap imported rice on the local market.

According to Philippines News Agency, the government's effort, in collaboration with local stakeholders, seeks to avoid a repeat of the 2025 scenario when farmgate prices of palay (unhusked rice) dramatically fell to PHP8 per kilo during the wet harvest season. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. highlighted the appeal during the current planting season, as preparations are underway for the wet harvest beginning in September.

"We will no longer allow the entry of 5 percent broken in the Philippines, starting now. They can only import 25 percent or worse," Tiu Laurel stated. He emphasized the importance of stabilizing palay prices to prevent a recurrence of last year's significant price drop, which saw prices plummet to between PHP8 and PHP12 per kilogram.

Tiu Laurel noted that the temporary import halt is intended to create a level playing field and provide local rice with a 'fighting chance' against premium imported rice, which has gained preference in retail markets. Stakeholders have shown preliminary support for the DA's stance in an effort to bolster Filipino farmers.

"In principle, they have agreed as a courtesy. The way forward is to help each other," Tiu Laurel mentioned, indicating that there is a consensus among stakeholders to support the initiative.

As of June 18, over 2.5 million metric tons (MT) of imported rice have arrived in the Philippines since January, a slight increase compared to the 2.29 million MT during the same period last year. In 2025, the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) reported a significant drop in wet palay prices attributed to the influx of imported rice, with the lowest farmgate price recorded at PHP5 per kilo in Nueva Ecija in July.

To mitigate the impact, the Philippine government had previously imposed a temporary ban on imported rice, excluding special rice, from September 1 to November 30, with an extension to December 31.