November 2, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has recommended to President Marcos an extension of the freeze on rice importation up to the end of the year, citing the need to stabilize palay farmgate prices and sustain support for local farmers.
President Marcos earlier ordered a halt on rice importation for two months, or until Oct. 31, following a sharp drop in palay prices at the start of the wet harvest season. The move initially lifted farmgate prices, but the gains began to taper off as the moratorium neared its expiry.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said that palay prices in key producing provinces such as Isabela and Nueva Ecija rose to P13 to P14 per kilo from as low as P8 before the import freeze.
Data from the DA’s Regional Rice Program showed that prices peaked at P16.50 per kilo between Sept. 8 and 12 before easing to P13.50 by mid-September.
“This demonstrates that while upward adjustments have been observed, farmgate prices remain volatile and the harvest is still underway across much of the country,” Tiu Laurel said.
He said the proposed extension aims to sustain government support for local producers, maintain market stability and allow for a more comprehensive assessment of the import suspension’s overall impact.
The DA’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) reported that rice retail prices have remained generally stable since the import suspension. Prices of imported regular-milled rice fell from P40 per kilo in August to P37 by mid-September, while those of well-milled rice dropped from P50 to P48.
Local rice prices showed similar stability, with projections indicating that by November, well-milled rice will average P42 per kilo and regular-milled rice P40.
He added that conservative estimates show rice stocks lasting 87 days by year-end, while an optimistic outlook projects 90 days’ worth of supply.
Current buffer stocks, the DA noted, are 1.12 million metric tons higher than the previous year’s ending stock, covering 61 days of national consumption.
The department also said that recent weather disturbances are not expected to significantly affect rice production in the remaining months of the year.
No shortage
In a separate radio interview, Tiu Laurel downplayed concerns over rice shortages, saying imported stocks are nearly depleted and domestic supply remains adequate.
“Imported rice will likely run out by mid-November, but there’s no need to worry. We have ample local harvest, and the supply will last until February,” he said.
He acknowledged that imported rice typically has better visual quality, which influences consumer preferences, but emphasized that locally produced rice remains competitive in terms of taste and quality.
The secretary also said the DA is monitoring premium rice prices, which range between P50 and P60 per kilo in some areas.
He noted that the agency plans to expand its “Rice for All” program to include premium varieties sold at lower prices, around P48 to P49 per kilo.
Tiu Laurel assured the public that the DA’s recommendation to extend the import ban includes a provision for allowing emergency importation if domestic prices rise sharply or if traders manipulate supply.
“If local prices surge or if some players take advantage of the situation, we can immediately authorize imports. Within eight days, imported rice from Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar or Thailand can arrive,” he said.
He also debunked a warning from the Federation of Free Farmers that the import moratorium could trigger supply problems next year. “That’s incorrect,” Tiu Laurel said. “The data clearly show that palay prices improved after the import halt, especially in Luzon. The policy is working,” he pointed out.
To address concerns of favoritism in import allocations, Tiu Laurel said the DA is consulting with rice industry stakeholders to help it establish a fair and transparent system.
“I’ve asked the importers’ associations to propose a formula or system for allocation, which we will deliberate with all stakeholders. We want to make sure everything is transparent – if needed, we can even broadcast the process live,” he said.
Show of sincerity
Speaker Faustino Dy III said President Marcos has shown his sincerity to improve the condition of local farmers by signing EO 100.
“President Marcos has again proven that he has sincere concern to our farmers. Through EO 100 and EO 101, he is taking care of the livelihood of the farmers, he strengthened food security and he is giving justice to those who have long been sacrificing in the farm and sea,” Dy said in a statement.
Dy explained that EO 100, which sets a fair and just floor price for palay, will shield farmers from unfairly low buying prices that often occur during harvest season. The directive, he pointed out, would stabilize the market, improve farmer incomes and strengthen national food security.
“Our farmers have long been suffering from the lack of right prices for their produce. In EO 100, there is now the right prices for grains and their hard work now have guarantee. This is true convenience and justice for them,” Dy said.
Dy also welcomed EO 101, which strengthens the implementation of the Sagip Saka Act by requiring all national and local government agencies to directly buy from accredited farmers’ and fisherfolk cooperatives and enterprises.
“EO 101 gives new hope to those behind our food. No more dilly-dallying and go-between. The income now directly goes to the pocket of the farmers and fishermen,” Dy said.
He said the House remains fully committed to supporting the administration’s agricultural agenda, noting that several priority bills under LEDAC are aligned with the President’s reform agenda. — Jose Rodel Clapano
