Negros Island Region: The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Negros Island Region (NIR) is actively monitoring rice prices across its three provinces in response to the implementation of the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) in the National Capital Region (NCR).

According to Philippines News Agency, Engineer Albert Barogo, DA-NIR regional director, stated in an interview that although the MSRP is limited to the NCR, the department has been instructed to observe rice prices at both regional and provincial levels. The local government units (LGUs) have been tasked with submitting weekly reports on rice prices to identify any price adjustments.

The NIR consists of the provinces of Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, and Siquijor. The MSRP for imported rice was enforced in the NCR starting February 5, following an administrative order by the agency aimed at reducing the staple's prices.

Barogo emphasized that LGUs are empowered to monitor and regulate rice prices through their Local Price Monitoring Councils to avert potential unwarranted price increases. The most recent monitoring report received by Barogo's office indicated that suppliers are selling rice for as much as PHP60 per kilo or more for the 'blue tag' variety.