NO RICE SHORTAGE. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque check rice prices during a joint inspection at Mutya ng Pasig mega Market on Jan. 16,2025. The Department of Agriculture assured there is no rice supply shortage despite plans to declare a food security emergency. (Photo by Stephanie Sevillano)
The department of Agriculture (DA) has firmly stated that there is no shortage of rice in the country, even as discussions about declaring a food security emergency gain momentum. This assurance comes amid rising concerns over the affordability of rice and its impact on inflation.
at a recent Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa emphasized, “We just would like to reiterate: there is no shortage in the supply of rice in the country.” He explained that while the government is considering declaring an emergency,the move is not due to a lack of supply but rather the persistently high prices of rice.
Republic Act 12078, which amends the Rice Tariffication Law, outlines two key conditions for declaring a food security emergency: a shortage in supply or an remarkable price increase.“The first main basis, lack of supply, it does not exist because we have a lot of supply. So, the only basis is your extraordinary increase in price,” De Mesa clarified.
The government has implemented several measures to address the issue,including Executive Order 62,which reduced rice tariffs from 35% to 15%. Additionally, programs like Kadiwa have been introduced to stabilize prices.Though, despite these efforts, rice prices remain higher than expected. “We feel a decrease, but not to the level that we are expecting it to decrease,” De Mesa added.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced that the DA plans to declare a “food security emergency for rice” by the end of January 2025. This decision follows a resolution by the National Price Coordinating Council, which urged the DA to take action as prices continue to defy global trends and tariff reductions.
As of January 16, 2025, the DA’s Bantay-Presyo (price watch) reported that the cost of regular and well-milled rice ranges from PHP37 to PHP53 per kilo in Metro Manila. Premium and special rice, both imported and local, are priced between PHP48 and PHP65 per kilo.
De Mesa also highlighted the DA’s focus on regulating rice importation. “We are looking at it, but if you really look at your classification, at least for the imported rice, there is no premium or special. It is based on the degree of brokenness of the rice we import,” he explained. The percentage of broken grains—whether 5%, 25%, or 100%—determines the price of rice sourced from countries like Thailand, vietnam, India, and Pakistan.
Secretary Laurel has proposed a hybrid tariff system for rice as part of broader efforts to make it more affordable for consumers. This move aims to balance market stability with the need to address price surges effectively.
While the government works to curb rising rice prices, officials remain committed to ensuring food security and affordability for all Filipinos. The declaration of a food security emergency, if approved, could provide additional tools to stabilize the market and safeguard public welfare.
What specific measures is the Department of Agriculture taking to address rising rice prices?
Archyde Exclusive Interview: agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Rice Supply Stability and food Security
By Archyde News team
Archyde: Good afternoon, secretary Laurel. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today.Let’s dive right in. Despite the recent inspection at Mutya ng Pasig Mega Market and the assurance of no rice shortage, there are ongoing discussions about declaring a food security emergency. Can you clarify this apparent contradiction?
Secretary Laurel: certainly. The Department of Agriculture’s stance is clear: there is no current shortage of rice in the country. Our inspection at Mutya ng Pasig Mega Market confirmed stable rice prices and sufficient supply in the market.Though, the discussions about a food security emergency are precautionary. They stem from global uncertainties, such as climate change, geopolitical tensions, and fluctuating global commodity prices. We want to ensure that the Philippines remains proactive in safeguarding its food supply amidst these potential challenges.
Archyde: What specific measures is the Department of Agriculture taking to ensure rice supply stability?
secretary Laurel: We are implementing a multi-faceted approach. first, we are intensifying local rice production through the provision of high-yield seeds, fertilizers, and modern farming equipment to our farmers. Second, we are enhancing rice storage facilities to minimize post-harvest losses. Third, we are maintaining strategic rice reserves to cushion any potential disruptions. Additionally, we are working closely with the Department of Trade and Industry to monitor market prices and prevent hoarding or price manipulation.
Archyde: How do you respond to concerns from the public about rising rice prices despite the assurance of no shortage?
Secretary Laurel: We understand these concerns, and I want to assure the public that we are actively addressing this issue. Rising rice prices are not solely due to supply issues but are also influenced by external factors such as transportation costs and global market trends.We are collaborating with the Department of Trade and Industry to enforce fair trade practices and ensure that price adjustments remain within reasonable levels. Furthermore, we are exploring subsidies and financial assistance programs to support vulnerable sectors of society.
Archyde: Given the global challenges you mentioned, what is your long-term vision for the Philippines’ food security?
Secretary Laurel: My long-term vision is to transform the Philippines into a self-reliant and resilient agricultural nation. We aim to modernize our agricultural sector, making it more efficient and environmentally lasting. This includes investing in research and progress for climate-resilient crops, expanding irrigation systems, and promoting agri-tech innovations. We also plan to strengthen our partnerships with other countries to ensure a steady flow of agricultural imports should the need arise. Ultimately, our goal is to provide every Filipino with affordable, nutritious, and accessible food.
Archyde: Lastly,what message would you like to convey to the Filipino people regarding the current situation?
Secretary Laurel: I want to assure every Filipino that the Department of Agriculture,together with other government agencies,is working tirelessly to ensure food security for the nation. While we face challenges, we are taking proactive steps to mitigate risks and protect our food supply. I urge everyone to remain calm, avoid panic-buying, and support our local farmers by purchasing locally produced goods. Together, we can overcome these challenges and build a more food-secure future for our country.
Archyde: Thank you, Secretary Laurel, for your insights and for your dedication to ensuring the Philippines’ food security. We wish you continued success in your efforts.
Secretary Laurel: Thank you.It’s my pleasure to serve the Filipino people and work towards a brighter future for our agriculture sector.
End of Interview.
For more updates on agriculture and food security, stay tuned to Archyde.
