The Department of Agriculture (DA) will maintain the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) of P43 per kilo for imported rice during the two-month rice import suspension set for September and October.
The move, ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., aims to stabilize palay prices, which have dropped as low as P8 per kilo—below production costs. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the ban may be adjusted depending on harvest outcomes and market conditions. Specialty rice imports are exempt.
Secretary Tiu Laurel urged DA officials to unite and innovate as the agency pushes for key legislative reforms and justifies its proposed P176.7 billion budget for 2026. The new budget includes P30 billion for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund and expanded support for crops and livestock. The DA is also advocating amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law and the Coconut Trust Fund Act. Laurel stressed performance and collaboration as critical to meeting food security goals.
Following the rice import suspension announcement, palay buying prices have risen in six of 13 major producing regions, NFA data show. Prices rose 0.3 percent to 2.6 percent in areas like Central Luzon, Bicol, and Southern Mindanao, offering some relief to farmers. However, declines were recorded in Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, and BARMM. The DA is closely monitoring developments and may adjust policies, including extending the import ban or raising tariffs if needed.
The DA is expanding the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program to include fisherfolk starting August 29. The initiative, aiming to reach 15 million households by 2026, now covers various vulnerable groups and farm workers. Secretary Tiu Laurel acknowledged mixed reactions from farmers but noted strong demand: 70 metric tons of rice were sold to farmers in three days. With increased funding under the 2026 budget, the DA will continue weekly provincial rollouts and begin distribution at fish ports.
