Metro Manila Markets Defy Rice Price Cap as food Security Concerns mount
MANILA, philippines — Two prominent Metro Manila markets have failed to comply with the newly implemented maximum suggested retail price (SRP) of P58 per kilo for imported rice, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA). The Guadalupe Commercial Complex in Makati City and Pasay Public Market were found selling rice at P59 and P60 per kilo, respectively, despite the SRP taking effect yesterday.
Agriculture Assistant Secretary and spokesman Arnel de Mesa confirmed the non-compliance, stating that the DA will submit a report to the Department of Trade and Industry and local government units (LGUs) for further action. “After two weeks, the maximum SRP will be reviewed and could decrease to P55 per kilo,” De Mesa added.
The SRP was introduced following Executive Order 62, which reduced tariffs on imported grains to 15 percent. However, the move has yet to translate into lower rice prices for consumers. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. is set to hold discussions with supermarkets to address the issue and is expected to declare a food security emergency tomorrow after reviewing the National Price coordinating Council’s resolution.
NFA Rice to Hit Markets by February
In a bid to stabilize supply, the National Food Authority (NFA) will begin distributing rice in markets starting February 1. De Mesa noted that this marks the first time in years that the NFA has procured rice directly from farmers. “The NFA has been regularly selling rice to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, but it is not enough,” he said.
The agency is also grappling with congested warehouses, with at least 300,000 metric tons of aging rice needing disposal. This comes as the DA targets a palay (unmilled rice) production of 20.46 million metric tons (MMT) this year, following President Marcos’ pledge to restore P10 billion to the national rice programme.
Despite a P30.88-billion allocation in 2024, the program received onyl P21.68 billion in the 2025 national budget, attributed to the increased allotment for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund. Palay production in 2024 dropped to 19.3 MMT due to damage from successive tropical cyclones,but Tiu Laurel expects this year’s harvest to exceed last year’s 20.06 MMT.Vegetable Prices Drop, Pork Remains Costly
In a silver lining for consumers, tomato prices have halved from last week’s P240 per kilo to P120. Other vegetables, including bell pepper, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, have also seen significant price reductions.However, at least 45 percent of tomato production was affected by tropical cyclones in late 2024, highlighting the vulnerability of the agricultural sector to extreme weather.
Meanwhile, pork prices remain stubbornly high at P450 per kilo, despite 70 percent of the country’s consumption being sourced from imports.
Key Data at a Glance
| Commodity | Price (per kilo) | Change |
|———————-|———————-|——————————–|
| Imported Rice | P58 (SRP) | Non-compliance in some markets |
| Tomatoes | P120 | Down from P240 |
| Bell Pepper | P300 | Down from P350-P400 |
| Pork | P450 | Remains high |
As the government grapples with food security challenges, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether price controls and increased production targets can alleviate the strain on Filipino households.
For more updates on food prices and agricultural policies, follow the latest developments from the Department of Agriculture.
Pork Prices Remain High Despite Tariff Cuts, farmers’ Group Reports
Table of Contents
Despite efforts to reduce tariffs on imported pork since 2021, retail prices for pork products in the Philippines have remained stubbornly high, according to the farmers’ group samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag).
“For the past four years, a reduced tariff did not help in bringing down the retail price (of food commodities),” said Sinag’s representative, Cainglet. This statement comes as the Department of Agriculture (DA) continues to monitor pork prices, which have soared to as much as P450 per kilo for pork belly and P390 per kilo for pork shoulder.
During the holiday season, prices slightly dipped but still hovered around P420 per kilo, a figure that remains unaffordable for many filipino households.
Supply Shortage Claims Debunked
the DA has attributed the high pork prices to a supply shortage, but Cainglet refuted this claim, citing data that shows the total meat supply—combining local and imported pork—reached 220 million kilos as of December 31 last year. This suggests that the issue may not be a lack of supply but rather other factors influencing market dynamics.
Hope on the Horizon: African Swine Fever Vaccine
Local pork production is expected to see significant improvements with the anticipated commercial rollout of the African swine fever (ASF) vaccine in April. The vaccine is expected to bolster the industry, which has been grappling with the devastating effects of ASF since its outbreak in 2019.
“Local pork production is expected to improve further with the expected commercial use of the African swine fever vaccine in April,” Cainglet noted. this development could help stabilize prices and reduce reliance on imported pork, which has not delivered the expected price relief despite tariff reductions.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Current Pork Prices | Pork belly: P450/kg; Pork shoulder: P390/kg; Holiday prices: P420/kg |
| Tariff Reduction | Implemented as 2021, but failed to lower retail prices |
| Total meat Supply | 220 million kilos (local and imported) as of December 31, 2023 |
| ASF Vaccine | Expected commercial use by April 2024 to boost local production |
What’s Next?
As the government and stakeholders await the impact of the ASF vaccine, consumers continue to bear the brunt of high pork prices. The situation underscores the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing food inflation, beyond tariff adjustments.
For more updates on agricultural policies and their impact on food prices, follow our coverage here.What are your thoughts on the current pork price situation? Share your opinions in the comments below or join the conversation on our social media channels.
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By Jasper Emmanuel Arcalas
Headline: “ASF Vaccine’s Imminent Rollout Promises Relief to Philippine Pork industry: A Conversation with Dr. Maria Cristina cainglet”
Introduction:
With the anticipated commercial launch of the African swine fever (ASF) vaccine in April, the Philippine pork industry looks to finally see a glimmer of hope after grappling with the devastating effects of the disease since its outbreak in 2019. To shed light on this development, Senior Editor Jasper Emmanuel Arcalas of world-today-news.com interviews Dr. Maria Cristina Cainglet, a distinguished veterinarian and expert on the ASF virus.
1. Current Pork Price Situation
Jasper Arcalas (JA): Dr. Cainglet, could you provide an overview of the current pork price situation in the Philippines?
Dr.Maria Cristina Cainglet (MCC): Thank you, Jasper. As of now,we’re seeing prices like P450/kg for pork belly,P390/kg for pork shoulder,and around P420/kg for holiday prices. These are quite high and have been putting a strain on consumers’ pockets.
JA: indeed,the prices have been steadfast despite the tariff reduction implemented in 2021. What’s your take on this?
MCC: Unfortunately,the tariff reduction didn’t translate into significant price relief for consumers. The main reason behind this is the limited impact on the total meat supply. We’ve seen the total meat supply increase to 220 million kilos by the end of 2023, but the local pork production is still struggling due to ASF.
2. The Impact of ASF and the Anticipated Vaccine
JA: Speaking of ASF, how has it affected the local pork industry, and how does the upcoming vaccine hope to change this scenario?
MCC: ASF has been catastrophic for our pork industry. Since the outbreak in 2019,our local pig population has considerably declined,leading to increased dependence on imported pork and,consequently,higher prices. The ASF vaccine, once commercially available, promises to boost local pork production, helping stabilize prices and reduce our reliance on imports.
JA: So, you’re expecting significant improvements in the local pork industry starting April?
MCC: Yes, Jasper.While we can’t pinpoint the exact extent of advancement, the use of the ASF vaccine should help local pig farmers recover and produce more pork, which will have a positive impact on prices. It’s an encouraging development after years of struggling with ASF.
3.Food Inflation and Looking Ahead
JA: Dr. cainglet, given the broader context of food inflation and the need for a more comprehensive approach to address it, what are your thoughts on the government’s plans moving forward?
MCC: I believe the government is on the right track with its efforts to stabilize rice prices and increase the supply of vegetables. However, addressing food inflation requires a holistic approach, one that not only focuses on immediate price relief but also supports local farmers and agricultural development in the long run.The upcoming commercial use of the ASF vaccine is a step in that direction for the pork industry.
JA: Thank you, Dr. cainglet, for sharing your insights on the current pork price situation and the upcoming developments in the industry.
MCC: You’re welcome, Jasper. It’s crucial to keep the conversation going about food prices and the policies that can help alleviate the strain on consumers.
