Agriculture
Rice import halt, delay of tariff action a calibrated move—DA chief Agriculture
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the decision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to suspend rice imports for 60 days—while holding off on a tariff hike—is a “measured response” to the current challenges faced by rice farmers.
President Marcos suspends rice importation for 60 days, starting Sept 1
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., after consulting select members of his Cabinet, decided to suspend for 60 days the importation of rice to protect local farmers from the influx of cheap rice, said Press Secretary Dave Gomez said Wednesday.
Crops, poultry drive 2Q agriculture growth to 5.7%–PSA
The value of agricultural and fisheries production rose to P437.53 billion in the second quarter, up 5.7 percent from the same period last year, buoyed by stronger crop and poultry output. In contrast, livestock and fisheries production slipped during the April to June period.
DA pushes tariff hike, RTL amendments to shield farmers and stabilize rice market
The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday said that the proposed increase in rice import tariffs would offer only temporary relief and must be coupled with amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) to provide sustainable support for local rice farmers and stabilize prices.
Rice, utilities costs pull down July inflation to 6-year low
Inflation in the Philippines eased to its lowest level in six years in July, driven by falling prices of rice, other food items, and utilities. The headline inflation rate slowed to 0.9 percent, down from 1.4 percent in June, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
