- DA Takes Action: Food Security Emergency to Bring Down Rice Prices
- Food Security Emergency: Government Intervention to Stabilize Rice Prices
- Lower Rice Prices Targeted: DA Declares Food Security Emergency
The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Tuesday its goal to influence the local market to bring down rice retail prices closer to July 2023 levels, as part of its efforts to address the ongoing food security emergency for rice. This period marked the beginning of persistent rice inflation in the Philippines, which has remained above the government’s 4 percent target since July 2023 and is projected to continue until November 2024.
During a press briefing, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that rice prices have yet to return to pre-July 2023 levels. “In July 2023, well-milled rice was priced at PHP 45 per kilogram, and regular-milled rice was at PHP 41/kg,” de Mesa stated. The DA’s intervention aims to stabilize the market and provide relief to consumers grappling with high rice prices.
Addressing Rising Rice Prices
Under the food security emergency for rice, the DA has outlined several measures to combat rising prices. These include selling rice stocks from the National Food Authority (NFA) to local government units (LGUs), other government agencies, and government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) at PHP 33/kg. The rice will then be made available to consumers at PHP 35/kg. This initiative not only aims to make rice more affordable but also to free up NFA warehouses for the upcoming procurement of palay (unmilled rice) from local farmers.
De Mesa explained that the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) had identified “extraordinary” price hikes in rice as a key concern. Despite declining global rice prices and the implementation of reduced tariffs (15 percent) on rice imports, domestic rice inflation has remained stubbornly high. “The NPCC saw that rice inflation went beyond the 4 percent target, reaching double digits, and it’s not slowing down quickly. That’s why we are taking these steps,” he said.
Alarming Rice Inflation Trends
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed alarming trends in rice inflation over the past year. Rice inflation surged to 8 percent in August 2023, 17 percent in September 2023, and exceeded 20 percent in several months of 2024. It was only in December 2024 that rice inflation dropped significantly to 0.8 percent, a notable improvement from the 5.1 percent recorded in November 2024.
As of the latest update, the prices of imported regular-milled rice in Metro Manila range from PHP 38/kg to PHP 52/kg, while imported well-milled rice is priced between PHP 37/kg and PHP 55/kg. Local rice varieties are similarly priced, with regular-milled rice at PHP 37/kg and well-milled rice at PHP 55/kg, according to the DA-Bantay Presyo monitoring system.
Periodic Reviews to Ensure Effectiveness
De Mesa assured the public that the food security emergency declaration would be subject to periodic reviews to assess its necessity and effectiveness. “When we see that we are already meeting the objectives, the secretary may lift the declaration. Since this is an emergency, we want to resolve it as soon as possible,” he said. The NPCC has committed to reviewing the situation every four months, with the possibility of more frequent assessments if needed.
A Call for Swift Action
The DA’s efforts to stabilize rice prices come at a critical time for Filipino consumers, many of whom have been burdened by the rising cost of the staple food. By leveraging NFA stocks, collaborating with LGUs and other government agencies, and ensuring transparency in price monitoring, the DA aims to bring relief to households and support local farmers.
As the government works to address the rice inflation crisis, the declaration of a food security emergency underscores the urgency of the situation. With periodic reviews and targeted interventions, the DA hopes to restore rice prices to more manageable levels and ensure food security for all Filipinos.
The success of these measures will depend on the collective efforts of government agencies, local governments, and stakeholders in the agriculture sector. For now, the DA remains committed to its goal of making rice more affordable and accessible, while safeguarding the interests of both consumers and farmers.
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