Agri chief backs RTL extension, seeks amendments

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has backed the proposed extension of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) for another six years, with the measure set to expire next year after being enacted in 2019.

According to the Department of Agriculture (DA), Tiu Laurel is pushing for a higher allocation for improving the competitiveness of farmers, and for projects to include postharvest facilities that could boost rice recovery.

“Definitely, I think it should be extended. But there should be adjustments so we can adapt to the times… Less wastage means more income for our rice farmers,” he was quoted as saying in a statement.

The Rice Tariffication Law took effect on March 5, 2019, after it was signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte under Republic Act 11203 in February of the same year.

The measure allows unlimited importation of rice as long as private sector traders secure a phytosanitary permit from the Bureau of Plant Industry and pay the 35-percent tariff for shipments from neighbors in Southeast Asia.

The law earmarks P10 billion for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), of which P5 billion will be allotted to farm mechanization and P3 billion to seedlings. The fund intends to ensure that rice imports won’t drown out the agriculture sector and rob farmers of their livelihood.

“We need to review the funding allocation every year and put it where it is most needed. If we mechanized this year and it's sufficient, we could allot the funds somewhere else,” Tiu Laurel said.

A report by the United States’ Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows that the Philippines is estimated to import 3.8 million metric tons (MT) of rice this year, after the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) said the country took in 3.22 million MT of rice from January 1 to December 22, 2023. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News