Nat'l price council OKs reso urging DA to declare 'food security emergency for rice'

The National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) has approved a resolution urging the Department of Agriculture (DA) to declare a "food security emergency for rice" as the prices of the commodity remained high.

DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, who chairs the NPCC, said Thursday that the move would allow the National Food Authority (NFA) to release buffer stock of rice to stabilize prices, replacing released stocks with locally produced rice to support Filipino farmers.

“This declaration empowers the DTI to take decisive action in protecting consumer welfare while strengthening our nation's agricultural backbone,” Roque said in a statement.

Currently, the NFA holds 300,000 metric tons of rice in buffer stocks. Releasing these reserves would help decongest warehouses in preparation for the upcoming February harvest.

“By prioritizing the produce of hardworking Filipino farmers, we are fostering a resilient and self-reliant Bagong Pilipinas—one that ensures stability, sustainability, and shared prosperity for both consumers and the agricultural sector,” she added.

'Critical move'

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr., meanwhile, welcomed the resolution, which he said is a “critical move” in addressing rice affordability.

Tiu-Laurel also underscored the broader economic benefits of affordable rice prices, noting their impact on inflation and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ interest rate policies. 

“Even if you don’t eat rice, lower rice prices help stabilize our economy,” he said.

The DA earlier announced that the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice would be set at P58 per kilo beginning January 20. It will be implemented initially in Metro Manila.

The DA had also said it is eyeing implementing maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for all rice varieties. 

--Giselle Ombay/ VAL, GMA Integrated News