No Rice Shortage in the Philippines Despite Plans for Food Security Emergency, DA Assures
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has firmly stated that there is no rice supply shortage in the Philippines, even as the government prepares to declare a food security emergency to address rising rice prices.
During a joint inspection at the Mutya ng Pasig Mega Market on January 16, 2025, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque checked rice prices to ensure market stability. The DA reiterated its assurance on January 18, emphasizing that the country has ample rice supply despite the planned emergency declaration.
“We just would like to reiterate: There is no shortage in the supply of rice in the country,” DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa stated at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City. He explained that under republic Act 12078, which amended the Rice Tariffication Law, a food security emergency can only be declared based on two grounds: a shortage in supply or an remarkable increase in rice prices.
“The first main basis, lack of supply, it does not exist becuase 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 stabilize rice prices, including Executive Order 62, which reduced rice tariffs from 35% to 15%, and the Kadiwa program. Despite these efforts, prices remain elevated. “Although we feel a decrease, it is not to the level that we are expecting it to decrease,” De Mesa added.
Secretary Laurel announced that the DA would declare a food security emergency for rice by the end of January 2025 to address the persistently high retail prices. this decision followed a resolution by the National Price Coordinating Council, which urged the DA to take action as prices remained high despite declining global rice costs and tariff reductions.
As of January 16, 2025, the DA’s Bantay-Presyo (price watch) reported that imported and local regular and well-milled rice prices in Metro Manila ranged from PHP37 to PHP53 per kilo, while premium and special rice prices ranged from PHP48 to PHP65 per kilo.
The DA is also exploring the classification of rice importation based on the degree of brokenness, which determines pricing. “When you get rice from Thailand,Vietnam,India,pakistan,or wherever,you always base it on the percent of brokenness,” De Mesa explained.
Additionally, Secretary Laurel has proposed the imposition of a hybrid tariff on rice as part of broader efforts to lower prices and ensure market stability.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|———————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Rice Supply Status | no shortage, ample supply in the domestic market |
| Food Security Emergency | To be declared by end of January 2025 to address high rice prices |
| Price Range (Jan. 16, 2025) | Regular/Well-Milled: PHP37–PHP53/kg; Premium/Special: PHP48–PHP65/kg |
| Government Measures | EO 62 (tariff reduction), Kadiwa program, hybrid tariff proposal |
| Importation Classification | Based on degree of brokenness (5%, 15%, 25%, 100%) |
The DA’s assurance comes amid growing concerns over rice prices, but the government remains committed to ensuring food security and market stability.
No Rice Shortage in the Philippines: Insights on Food Security Emergency and Price Stabilization
Table of Contents
In light of recent statements from the Department of Agriculture (DA), we delve into the intricacies of rice supply, food security emergency plans, and government measures to stabilize prices. Joining us is Dr. Maria Santos, an agricultural economist and expert on food security in Southeast Asia.
Ample Rice Supply Despite emergency Plans
Editor: Dr. Santos, the DA has assured the public that there is no rice shortage in the philippines, even as they prepare to declare a food security emergency. Can you elaborate on this apparent contradiction?
Dr. Maria Santos: Certainly. The planned food security emergency is not about a shortage in supply but rather about addressing the persistently high rice prices. The DA has confirmed that there is ample rice in the domestic market. The emergency declaration under Republic Act 12078 can be based on two grounds: a shortage in supply or a remarkable increase in prices. In this case, it’s the latter that’s prompting the action.
Government Measures to Stabilize Prices
Editor: What specific measures has the government implemented to stabilize rice prices?
Dr. Maria Santos: The government has taken several steps, including Executive Order 62, which reduced rice tariffs from 35% to 15%. This move aims to make imported rice more affordable. additionally, the Kadiwa program, which connects farmers directly to consumers, helps bypass middlemen and reduce costs. Secretary Laurel has also proposed a hybrid tariff on rice as part of broader efforts to lower prices further.
Understanding Rice Importation and Pricing
Editor: Can you explain how the classification of rice importation based on the degree of brokenness affects pricing?
Dr. maria Santos: Absolutely. rice importation is classified based on the percentage of broken grains,which directly impacts its price. As an example, rice with 5% brokenness is considered high quality and fetches a higher price, while rice with 25% or higher brokenness is cheaper.This classification ensures that the market offers a range of options to cater to different consumer budgets.
Future Outlook and Recommendations
Editor: Looking ahead, what are your recommendations to ensure long-term food security and price stability?
Dr. Maria Santos: It’s crucial to invest in local rice production through modern agricultural practices,technological advancements,and support for farmers. Diversifying import sources can also help stabilize supply and prices. Moreover, obvious and efficient market mechanisms are essential to prevent price manipulation and ensure fair pricing for both consumers and farmers.
