Amid rising rice prices, DTI chief hints at adjusting diet

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual on Wednesday hinted about adjusting one's diet and considering alternatives to rice, as prices of the grain exceed P50 per kilo.

During a discussion at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay on rising commodity prices amid oil-exporting countries' production cuts and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Pascual mooted dietary changes.

“Adapt then adjust our, maybe our diet,” the Trade chief said.

“Our diet is very traditional. We are used to eating rice during breakfast ang hirap mag-shift, sa iba naman pandesal,” he added.

Pascual said alternatives such as camote (sweet potato) and white corn can serve as a substitute for rice.

Nevertheless, Pascual said the government is increasing the productivity of farms to ensure food supply and price stability.

“Diyan talaga relentless ang effort ng Department of Agriculture, headed by our President himself. We are applying all possible solutions,” he said, adding that subsidies for fertilizers and distribution of hybrid seeds are being undertaken by the government.

However, Pascual clarified, “I’m not saying, I’m pushing it now.”

The Trade chief further clarified he is not proposing to look for rice alternatives, but only recalling a study by the University of the Philippines.

“Don’t misquote me please. I did not make any proposal in that regard,” Pascual said.

He recalled that at UP, where he served as president, conducted experiments on rice-corn mix to promote the idea of using alternatives for rice.

The Department of Agriculture’s (DA) price monitoring showed that well-milled local commercial rice is sold at P42 to P52 per kilo in markets in Metro Manila.

Regular milled local commercial rice is being sold at P38 to P50 per kilo.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has tasked the DA and the DTI to closely monitor the rice prices in the local markets as he ensured that rice supply is sufficient.

Quoting the President, the Presidential Communications Office said: “Rice supply is sufficient. Prices are, however, very variable.”

“The government is working with the private sector to rationalize the prices and make available affordable rice in the market and in Kadiwa,” the PCO said. — RSJ/BM, GMA Integrated News