DA Assures No Rice Shortage in PH Amid Food Security Emergency Plans | Price Watch & Tariff Updates

Government Assures No Rice Shortage Amid Plans to Declare Food Security Emergency

Amid growing concerns over rising rice prices, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has assured the public that there is no shortage in the country’s rice supply. The clarification comes as the government considers declaring a food security emergency to address elevated retail costs.

“We just would like to reiterate: There is no shortage in the supply of rice in the country,” said DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa during a recent news forum in Quezon City. He explained that the declaration of a food security emergency, under Republic Act 12078, is based on two criteria: a shortage in supply or an extraordinary increase in prices.

“The first main basis, lack of supply, it does not exist because we have a lot of supply. So, the only basis is the extraordinary increase in price,” De Mesa noted.

Despite government efforts to curb costs—including the reduction of rice tariffs from 35 percent to 15 percent under Executive Order 62 and initiatives like the Kadiwa program—prices remain higher than expected. As of Jan. 16, imported and local regular and well-milled rice in Metro Manila ranged from PHP37 to PHP53 per kilogram. Premium and special rice varieties were priced between PHP48 and PHP65 per kilogram, according to the DA’s Bantay-Presyo (Price Watch).

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. earlier announced plans to declare a “food security emergency for rice” by the end of January. This move follows a resolution by the National Price Coordinating Council urging the DA to take action despite declining global rice costs and the tariff reductions ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

De Mesa emphasized that the DA is not seeking congressional approval for rice importation but rather focusing on market regulation and intervention. “The secretary is no longer asking Congress for permission in relation to the importation capacity of the NFA (National Food Authority), but rather on these two aspects: to have regulation in the market and, secondly, to intervene in the market without declaring an emergency,” he said.

The DA is also exploring the classification of rice imports based on the degree of brokenness, a key factor in pricing. Laurel has previously proposed implementing a hybrid tariff on rice as part of broader efforts to stabilize prices and ensure food security.

The government’s assurance comes after a joint inspection by Laurel and Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque at the Mutya ng Pasig Mega Market in Pasig City on Jan. 16, where they monitored rice prices and assessed market conditions. While no shortage exists, the focus remains on addressing the persistent issue of high prices to ensure affordability for Filipino consumers.

while the government’s consideration of declaring a food security​ emergency underscores the seriousness of the current challenges posed by rising rice prices, the Department of Agriculture’s assurance of sufficient‍ rice supply provides a measure⁤ of reassurance to the public. The situation highlights the need for proactive measures to stabilize prices and ensure long-term food security. By addressing​ the root causes of price volatility and reinforcing supply chain resilience, the government can safeguard ‍the nation’s food​ stability and protect consumers from undue economic strain. ‍Moving forward, a balanced approach‌ that combines immediate interventions with sustainable agricultural policies will be crucial in navigating this complex issue and securing the well-being of all ‍citizens.
while the government assures the public that there is no shortage of rice supply, the persistent rise in prices has prompted discussions on declaring a food security emergency.The Department of Agriculture has emphasized that the country’s rice stocks remain sufficient, but the unusual increase in retail costs has become a pressing concern.Efforts such as lowering rice tariffs and expanding access to affordable rice through programs like Kadiwa are steps in the right direction. Though, these measures have yet to fully alleviate the financial burden on consumers.Moving forward,a balanced approach that strengthens supply chains,supports local farmers,and ensures price stability will be crucial. The potential declaration of a food security emergency underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges to safeguard the nation’s food security and protect the welfare of its citizens. Collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and communities will be essential in achieving long-term solutions and fostering resilience in the face of rising food costs.