The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), under the Department of Agriculture, is warning rice farmers to prepare for possible pest infestations in the first quarter of 2026, based on trends seen over the past five years.
Using data from 2021 to 2025, PhilRice identified brown planthoppers, rice stemborers, rodents, bacterial leaf blight, and leaffolders as the main threats to palay crops. Central Luzon is expected to be the most affected region, with multiple pests likely to appear. High risks are also seen in the Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas.
Brown planthoppers, which cause dried brown patches on rice plants, are expected in Central Luzon, the Cordillera Administrative Region, and Eastern Visayas. PhilRice advised farmers to plant at the same time, use resistant rice varieties, limit nitrogen fertilizer, follow proper water management, and avoid early insecticide use to protect beneficial insects.
Rice stemborers, which cause “deadheart” and “whitehead” damage, are projected to heavily affect Bicol, Central Luzon, and Northern Mindanao. Experts recommend proper land preparation, removing egg masses, and using biological control agents.
Rodents remain a serious concern, especially in Eastern Visayas, Central Luzon, and Bicol. PhilRice warned that rats can cause yield losses ranging from 5 percent to as high as 90 percent if left uncontrolled. Farmers are advised to hunt rats early in the breeding season, manage burrows properly, and handle bait safely.
Bacterial leaf blight, which causes leaf wilting and drying, is expected to spread in Central Luzon and Bicol. To reduce damage, PhilRice urged the use of resistant varieties, careful transplanting, balanced fertilizer use, and good field sanitation.
Leaffolders are also expected to affect Central Luzon, Cagayan Valley, and the Davao Region. Recommended measures include removing weeds, avoiding shaded fields, using biological controls, and applying insecticides only when needed.
PhilRice stressed that farmers can reduce losses by using resistant varieties, planting at the same time, applying balanced fertilizers, protecting beneficial insects, keeping fields clean, and closely monitoring crops.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that in 2025, Central Luzon, Bicol, and Eastern Visayas produced a combined 5.57 million metric tons of palay, or 28.3 percent of the country’s total production of 19.67 million metric tons.
Meanwhile, based on the Department of Agriculture’s price monitoring, as of January 27, local well-milled rice in Metro Manila was priced at P45.09 per kilo, while local regular milled rice sold for P40.89 per kilo. Imported well-milled rice was priced at P46.30 per kilo, and imported regular milled rice ranged around P40.13 per kilo. Special and premium rice varieties, both local and imported, were selling at higher prices.
