The Department of Agriculture has recommended to President Marcos an extension of the rice import freeze until year-end to stabilize palay farmgate prices and support local farmers. This follows a two-month halt ordered in October amid falling palay prices during the harvest season. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said prices remain volatile but domestic rice supply is adequate.
At the start of the wet harvest season, palay prices dropped to as low as P8 per kilo in key provinces like Isabela and Nueva Ecija, prompting President Marcos to order a two-month halt on rice imports until October 31. This lifted prices to P13 to P14 per kilo, peaking at P16.50 between September 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.
The proposed extension aims to sustain government support for local producers, maintain market stability, and allow a comprehensive assessment of the suspension's impact. Retail rice prices have remained stable since the import halt: imported regular-milled fell from P40 to P37 per kilo, and well-milled from P50 to P48. Projections for November show well-milled at P42 per kilo and regular-milled at P40. Conservative estimates indicate rice stocks lasting 87 days by year-end, with an optimistic outlook of 90 days; current buffer stocks are 1.12 million metric tons higher than last year's, covering 61 days of national consumption.
In a separate radio interview, Tiu Laurel downplayed shortage concerns, noting imported stocks are nearly depleted but domestic supply is adequate until February. “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. The DA plans to expand its “Rice for All” program to include premium varieties at P48 to P49 per kilo. The recommendation includes provisions for emergency imports from Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, or Thailand within eight days if domestic prices surge or traders manipulate supply.
He debunked a warning from the Federation of Free Farmers about potential supply issues 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.” To address favoritism concerns, the DA is consulting rice industry stakeholders on a fair allocation 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.
Speaker Faustino Dy III praised President Marcos's sincerity in supporting farmers through EO 100, which sets a fair floor price for palay, and EO 101, which mandates direct purchases from cooperatives under the Sagip Saka Act. “President Marcos has again proven that he has sincere concern to our farmers... This is true convenience and justice for them,” Dy said.