Manila: National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo A±o on Tuesday expressed support for the Department of Agriculture's (DA) initiatives calling for the declaration of a "food security emergency" to help reduce rice prices in the country.

According to Philippines News Agency, A±o stated that food security is a national security interest and an integral part of the Marcos administration's 15-point National Security Agenda as outlined in the 2023 National Security Policy (NSP). He emphasized the government's role in ensuring food availability, accessibility, affordability, and safety as further articulated in the 2024 National Security Strategy (NSS). A±o expressed his support for the DA's declaration of a food security emergency to reduce rice prices in the country.

Republic Act 12708 empowers the DA chief to declare a food security emergency if there is an extraordinary increase in rice prices or a rice shortage in the country. While the supply of rice remains sufficient, A±o noted that the prices are artificially high despite declining global rice costs and tariff reductions ordered by the President. He stressed that high rice prices directly impact the lives of all Filipinos as rice is the country's staple food.

A±o highlighted that the DA has the authority to regulate and reduce rice prices to protect public interests. He urged market actors to collaborate with the government in addressing high rice prices and warned against profiteering, politicizing the issue for partisan interests, and engaging in other malicious activities that could harm the Filipino people.

He called for collective commitment to the effort, emphasizing the need for dedication to bolster national security.