President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved an extension of the ban on rice imports until December 31, aiming to stabilize farm-gate prices for unmilled rice (locally known as “palay”). I
According to Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., the decision came after the initial two-month suspension showed limited impact on retail rice prices and supply, but had a significant effect in boosting the farm-gate prices of palay.
The import suspension was first imposed starting 1 September to counter the sharp decline in palay prices ahead of the wet-season harvest. With harvests still ongoing in many regions, the extended suspension, together with the rollout of the “Sagip Saka Program” and an established floor price for palay, is expected to continue giving relief to local rice farmers.
Despite the import ban, the DA estimates that rice supply remains sufficient: conservative projections put availability at 89 days while optimistic estimates reach up to 92 days.