MANILA, Philippines — Prices of rice remained largely stable two days after the government implemented a temporary rice import ban, signaling that the market has so far absorbed the suspension without major disruptions.
Department of Agriculture (DA) spokesman and Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said yesterday they have not seen any major movement in the prices of the staple.
“We checked the prices of imported (rice). (It’s) between P42 and P45 (per kilo), which is still within our range,” De Mesa said in an interview.
“Our (maximum suggested retail price) is around P43 per kilo. So, hopefully this continues because there are many stocks of imported and local rice,” he added.
De Mesa said four ports in the country have been designated to still accept rice imports during the first half of the month.
He said these are the ports of Manila, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Cebu.
“These four are the only ones where they can ship containers arriving between Sept. 1 to Sept. 15 that will be exported from the country of origin by Aug. 31,” said the agriculture official.
“Again, excepted from the ban are Japonica, Basmati, and Glutinous rice,” De Mesa said.
Early last month, Malacañang ordered a 60-day suspension of rice importation starting Sept. 1.
The measure is intended to protect local farmers grappling with low palay prices during the current harvest season.
The government is also pushing ahead with its P20-per-kilo rice program, which will be expanded next month to cover jeepney and tricycle drivers.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the rollout will begin on Sept. 16 in five pilot areas, including Navotas City, where about 4,000 accredited drivers are on the list.
Launched initially for solo parents, senior citizens, 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) beneficiaries, and persons with disabilities, the program has since widened its reach to minimum wage earners, rice farmers and fisherfolk.
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