Northern mindanao: Northern Mindanao has a stable and sufficient rice supply, a regional agriculture official assured the public on Wednesday. Department of Agriculture (DA) 10 (Northern Mindanao) Executive Director Jose Apollo Pacamalan said the region maintains a 31-day buffer stock, attributing it to strong local production and a steady inflow of commercial rice.
According to Philippines News Agency, Pacamalan emphasized that with the right technology, strong partnerships, and focused investments, Northern Mindanao can further reduce its reliance on imported rice and strengthen its position as a major food producer. He stated that prevailing retail prices for commercial rice range from PHP55 to PHP60 per kg, while imported rice, particularly from China, sells for about PHP43.50 per kg.
Pacamalan also noted that the national government, under Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Laurel Jr., would implement a three-year moratorium on rice importation starting next year. The policy aims to reduce import dependence, strengthen local production, and narrow the price gap between local and foreign rice. He said DA interventions continue to make the regional rice industry more resilient and competitive while ensuring food security.
