The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced its plan to reduce the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice to P49 per kilogram by March, contingent on favorable global rice prices. Starting February 1, the price will decrease to P55 per kilogram, followed by further reductions to P52 by February 15. If conditions remain stable, the target of P49 per kilogram is expected to be reached by March 1.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that the gradual price reduction is designed to avoid market instability, providing traders and suppliers time to adjust to lower pricing. The move follows recent changes in import tariffs and a market inspection in Pasay City. To address the issue of high rice prices, the government also plans to declare a food security emergency on rice, which could lead to the release of government-owned rice stocks to stabilize the market further.
In addition, the DA is working to expand the availability of affordable rice through its Kadiwa program, which will make rice available at lower prices in supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide by February 15. This initiative targets vulnerable sectors and aims to offer different varieties of rice, including the 5-percent broken rice at a discounted price. The DA is also in discussions with local governments to facilitate rice distribution from the National Food Authority (NFA) stocks, ensuring that regions most in need will have access to these supplies.
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