Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday assured a 'careful balance' for both Filipino consumers and farmers amid an increase in rice import arrivals for the first half of the year.
According to Philippines News Agency, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa stated at a press briefing that this response comes from stakeholders facing various factors and challenges in the Philippines. De Mesa emphasized the need for a stable and affordable rice supply to prevent price spikes, highlighting issues such as the looming El Ni±o, global oil and fertilizer price surges, and cheaper international rice prices affecting local palay production.
The Bureau of Plant Industry reported 2.75 million metric tons (MT) of imported rice entered the Philippines from January to June, marking a 20.10 percent increase from the previous year. De Mesa noted the importance of market response to these challenges, especially amid the 20 percent hike in importation volume.
De Mesa also mentioned importers securing rice supplies due to lower international prices, allowing the implementation of a PHP50 per kilogram price cap. Retailers benefit from a PHP5 per kg markup, with the DA proposing a 60-day extension on the price cap to benefit consumers further. The National Price Coordinating Council has adopted this recommendation, pending presidential approval.
To protect farmers, De Mesa outlined 'proactive measures' ensuring the import spike will not harm them during the upcoming harvest. The National Food Authority (NFA) is committed to buying local palay at higher farmgate prices, with a possible review of an import ban to prevent price drops like those seen in 2025. The DA is also exploring limiting the entry of 5-percent broken imported rice in agreement with stakeholders.
De Mesa concluded by mentioning Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel's announcement of potential restrictions or controls on imported rice, aiming to allow only 25 percent broken imports. The DA chief had previously agreed in principle to halt imports of 5-percent broken rice starting in July.
