Philippines Declares Food Security Emergency to Tackle Soaring Rice Prices
MANILA – The Department of agriculture (DA) has announced a food security emergency to address the persistent rise in rice prices, aiming to bring retail costs closer to July 2023 levels. On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, rice varieties where selling between PHP40 and PHP65 per kilogram (kg) at a retail store in San Andres, Manila. The DA’s goal is to influence local markets to reduce prices to the July 2023 range of PHP41/kg to PHP45/kg.
This move comes after months of escalating rice inflation, which began in July 2023 and continued through November 2024, consistently exceeding the government’s 4 percent target. “Such (a) condition is considered to remain in place while rice prices have not returned close to the level prior (July)… Iyong July 2023 well milled is PHP45 per kilogram (and) regular milled is PHP41/kg,” said DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa during a press briefing.
Under the food security emergency, the DA plans to sell rice stocks from the National Food Authority (NFA) to local government units (LGUs), other government agencies, and government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) at PHP33/kg. These stocks will then be made available to consumers at PHP35/kg. This initiative also aims to free up NFA warehouses for the upcoming palay procurement from local farmers.
The National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) played a pivotal role in this decision, citing “extraordinary” price hikes despite declining global rice prices and reduced tariffs on imported rice. “Nakita yun ng NPCC na beyond doon sa 4 percent na inflation sa rice, more than double digit at hindi ganun kabilis ang pagbaba (The NPCC saw that it went beyond the 4 percent inflation in rice, more than double digit and it’s not that fast to be tamed). So that’s basically the reason why we are doing this,” de Mesa explained.
Rice inflation surged to 8 percent in August 2023, 17 percent in September 2023, and remained above 20 percent for several months in 2024. Though, December 2024 saw a significant drop to 0.8 percent, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Currently, imported regular-milled rice in Metro Manila ranges from PHP38/kg to PHP52/kg, while local regular-milled rice is priced between PHP37/kg and PHP55/kg, as reported by the DA-Bantay presyo.
The declaration of the food security emergency will undergo periodic reviews to assess its necessity. “So kapag nakita natin na (When we see that) we are already meeting the objectives, itong (this) declaration, the secretary may lift it already. So since this is an emergency, we want to resolve it as soon as possible,” de Mesa stated.
The NPCC has committed to reviewing the emergency every four months, ensuring that the measures remain effective and responsive to market conditions.
Key Points at a Glance
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Current Rice Prices | PHP40-PHP65/kg in San Andres, Manila (Feb. 4, 2025) |
| Target Prices | PHP41-PHP45/kg (July 2023 levels) |
| NFA Rice Stock Price | PHP33/kg to LGUs, PHP35/kg to consumers |
| Rice Inflation | Peaked at 24.4% in March 2024,dropped to 0.8% in December 2024 |
| Review Schedule | Every four months by the NPCC |
The DA’s proactive measures aim to stabilize rice prices, ensuring affordability for Filipino consumers while supporting local farmers. As the situation evolves, the government remains committed to addressing the challenges posed by rising food costs.
Proactive Measures to Stabilize Rice Prices: A Conversation on Food Security in the Philippines
In response to soaring rice prices, the Philippines has declared a food security emergency. The Department of Agriculture (DA) aims to stabilize prices and ensure affordability for consumers while supporting local farmers. Senior Editor of World Today News, Rachel Carter, sits down with Dr. Miguel Santos, an agricultural economist and food security expert, to discuss the implications of this emergency declaration and the measures being taken to address the crisis.
The Current State of rice Prices
Rachel Carter: Dr. Santos, rice prices in the philippines have been rising significantly. Can you explain the current situation and what led to this crisis?
Dr.Miguel Santos: Absolutely, Rachel. The situation began in July 2023 when rice inflation started to climb, consistently exceeding the government’s 4 percent target.By December 2024, we saw a important drop to 0.8 percent, but the past months have been challenging. Prices have ranged between PHP40 and PHP65 per kilogram in areas like san Andres, Manila, which is far from the target range of PHP41 to PHP45 per kilogram set by the DA. This spike has been driven by a combination of global market trends, reduced tariffs on imported rice, and logistical challenges in local distribution.
Declaring a Food Security Emergency
Rachel Carter: What does declaring a food security emergency entail, and how will it help address the rising cost of rice?
Dr. Miguel Santos: Declaring a food security emergency allows the government to implement immediate and targeted measures. The DA plans to sell rice stocks from the National Food Authority (NFA) to local government units and other agencies at PHP33 per kilogram, which will then be sold to consumers at PHP35 per kilogram. This is a significant reduction from current market prices. Additionally, this move will free up NFA warehouses for the upcoming palay procurement season, ensuring that local farmers are supported and that the supply chain remains robust.
Supporting Local Farmers
Rachel Carter: One of the goals of this initiative is to support local farmers. How does this emergency declaration achieve that?
Dr. Miguel santos: By stabilizing prices, the government ensures that farmers receive fair compensation for their produce. The emergency declaration also includes plans to procure palay directly from local farmers, which boosts their income and encourages sustainable farming practices.This dual approach—protecting consumers and supporting farmers—is essential for long-term food security.
monitoring and Reviewing the Measures
Rachel Carter: the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) has committed to reviewing the measures every four months. How critically important is this ongoing assessment?
Dr. Miguel Santos: It’s crucial. The situation is dynamic, and global rice prices, as well as local market conditions, can change rapidly. regular reviews ensure that the measures remain effective and responsive. If the objectives are met,the emergency declaration can be lifted,but the government must stay vigilant to prevent future price spikes.
The Road Ahead
Rachel Carter: Looking ahead, what are the key challenges the Philippines faces in achieving long-term food security, specifically with rice?
Dr.Miguel Santos: The primary challenges include climate change, which affects crop yields, and reliance on imported rice, which exposes the country to global price volatility. To address these, the government must invest in agricultural technology, improve irrigation systems, and promote crop diversification. Additionally, strengthening local distribution networks and reducing post-harvest losses are critical steps toward achieving sustainable food security.
Key Takeaways
- The Philippines has declared a food security emergency to address soaring rice prices, aiming to reduce retail costs to July 2023 levels.
- The DA plans to sell NFA rice stocks at PHP33/kg to LGUs and PHP35/kg to consumers, ensuring affordability and supporting local farmers.
- Regular reviews by the NPCC will ensure the measures remain effective and responsive to market conditions.
- Long-term food security requires investment in agricultural technology, crop diversification, and improved distribution networks.
Rachel Carter: Thank you, Dr. Santos, for your insights. It’s clear that while the emergency declaration is a critical step, sustained efforts are needed to ensure food security for all Filipinos.
