THE Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday declared a food security emergency for rice following an “extraordinary” spike in prices nationwide.
The declaration, issued under Department Circular No. 3, was moved ahead of its original Feb. 4 schedule after the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) transmitted the official resolution to the DA on Jan. 30.
“This emergency declaration enables us to release National Food Authority (NFA) rice stocks to stabilize prices and ensure accessibility for millions of Filipinos,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.
Under the directive, the NFA will sell its rice stocks, including fresh supplies, at PHP36 per kilo through Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) sites, local government units (LGUs), government agencies, and government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs).
This move aims to provide affordable rice for consumers while increasing palay procurement for buffer stocks. The emergency status will remain in effect until lifted by the DA.
Despite declining global prices and a tariff reduction in July 2024, local rice prices remain elevated.
Rice inflation hit 4.2 percent in December 2024, peaking at 17.9 percent in September 2023, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
To mitigate costs, the DA set a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for 5 percent broken rice and expanded low-cost rice programs nationwide. (PNA)
