By Stephanie Sevillano | Philippine News Agency
The Department of Agriculture (D.A.) on Monday expressed optimism that farmgate prices of palay (unhusked rice) will continue to strengthen as the government approved the rice import ban until the end of 2025.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. told the Philippine News Agency that the extension took effect on Nov. 1, although the D.A. is still awaiting the issuance of the final order.
D.A. Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Arnel de Mesa said in an earlier interview, “Ang main objective nito una, maging matatag ‘yong presyo ng palay.”
Since the import restriction was implemented, farmgate prices of palay have increased to P14 per kilogram and in some areas, as high as P16 per kg, based on D.A. monitoring.
The prices are notably higher than the P8 to P10 per kg range recorded at the start of the peak wet harvest season. The D.A. said the measure also aims to encourage greater consumption of locally produced rice and support Filipino farmers.
“Konti na lang din naman ‘yung bigas na imported sa mga tindahan. So, kapag inextend mo pa siya, talagang makita natin halos pa-ubos na siya by the end of the year,” De Mesa said.
“Baka nga before December, paubos na ‘yung imported. Ang maganda naman dito, marami tayong locally produced rice.”
Despite this, De Mesa said retail prices of imported rice remain generally stable.
As of Nov. 1, the prevailing price of premium or 5% broken imported rice in Metro Manila is at P48.23 per kg, according to the D.A.-Bantay Presyo (price watch).
The D.A. earlier vowed to implement stringent market inspections and warned it will issue show-cause orders against retailers who sell at unreasonable price levels.
The prevailing price of imported well-milled rice, meanwhile, is pegged at P41 per kg and P39.55 per kg for imported regular-milled rice.
For local rice, the premium variety sells for P48.56 per kg, well-milled for P42.29 per kg and regular milled for P37.15 per kg. (PNA)
