Negros oriental: The prices of imported rice in Negros Oriental have decreased by an average of PHP5 per kilo, as reported by the Department of Agriculture-Provincial Agricultural Technology Office (DA-PATCO).

According to Philippines News Agency, Bernard Limbaga, head of DA-PATCO Negros Oriental, stated that the average price of imported rice as of the last week of March has fallen to PHP60/kg from PHP65. In an interview, Limbaga noted that commercial rice traders in the capital have a substantial supply of imported rice, saturating the local market. In contrast, local premium rice remains more expensive, averaging PHP70/kg, due to operational costs during harvest and higher transport fees for rice acquired from regions like Isabela and nearby Mindanao areas.

The price reduction of imported rice coincides with the Department of Agriculture's plan to propose a price cap of PHP50 per kilo by the end of the month. The National Price Coordinating Council is expected to present this recommendation to the Office of the President.

Meanwhile, DA-PATCO has observed a significant decrease in the supply of corn, with many areas ceasing to sell the staple. Limbaga highlighted that prior to the war, corn grits were priced at their lowest at PHP36/kg, but the cost has now increased to PHP57/kg. With the planting season commencing in May, corn might be scarce in the market until the next harvest season.

Negros Oriental currently exhibits a 35-percent sufficiency level for corn, indicating that only 35 out of every 100 people can be sustained with the staple. Conversely, the province shows a 45-percent rice sufficiency, necessitating the procurement of rice from other provinces, according to Limbaga.