In a dialogue with farmers in Bulacan on Wednesday, May 28, the President said the government is modeling it after the tobacco system in Ilocos Norte.
“Pinag-aaralan namin, ginagaya namin kasi kagaya sa tabako doon sa amin sa Ilocos, may floor price. So never bababa doon sa floor price (Yes, we’re studying this. We’re modeling it after the tobacco system in Ilocos, where there’s a floor price. Prices never go below it),” he said.
“So pinag-aaralan namin magkaroon ng floor price para wala namang malugi kahit na… (We’re studying the idea of having a floor price so no one suffers losses even if prices drop too low),” he added.
Marcos explained that stable pricing would allow farmers to plan better for the planting season.
"Kasi pagka-masyadong malikot yung presyo, hindi tayo makapagplano ng maganda (If prices are too volatile, we can’t make proper plans)," he said.
"Siguro kayo din ganun din ang nagiging experience ninyo (You’ve probably experienced the same thing)," he added.
Support for post-harvest logistics
The President said his administration is working to minimize costs for farmers by helping them control key stages in rice production and marketing. He pointed to the revival of the National Food Authority’s (NFA) original role as a buyer and price stabilizer.
"Kaya binabalik natin dun sa dating gawi na yung NFA na bumibili, tinitingnan yung presyo para maganda ang presyo sa pagbili sa inyo ng palay (We’re bringing back the NFA’s original role—buying palay and stabilizing prices so that you get good rates)," Marcos said.
Farmers raised the need for dryers, warehouses, rice mills, and transport support. Marcos said the government is already looking to expand logistics support.
"Pararamihin pa natin mga equipment… Namimigay yung mga LGU lalo ng truck sa bawat barangay o bawat cooperative para maihatid yung ani (We will provide more equipment. LGUs are distributing trucks to each barangay or cooperative to transport harvested palay),” he said.
He explained that having cooperatives own trucks and mills would reduce overhead and allow farmers to retain more value from their products.
"Hindi ninyo pagkikitaan yung milling, hindi ninyo pagkikitaan… kaya hawak na ninyo lahat ng processing, hawak ninyo lahat ng transportation (You won’t be paying extra for milling or transport—your cooperative controls all that)," he said.
Revival of NFA’s buying operations
President Marcos emphasized the role of the NFA in ensuring stable prices, especially during harvest season.
"Ang trabaho ng NFA, bumibili kapag panahon ng ani para hindi babagsak yung presyo… pag tag-araw, pwede namang magbenta para hindi tumaas masyado yung presyo ng bigas para sa consumer (NFA’s job is to buy during harvest to prevent price drops, and to sell during lean seasons to stabilize retail prices)," he said.
He said the current NFA buying price is at P19 per kilo for fresh palay and P24 for dried.
"Tinitingnan namin, tama maganda na bang presyo yun o kulang pa? (We’re reviewing whether the current P19 and P24 prices are enough),” he said.
Ensuring readiness for the next season
Marcos said efforts to support farmers go beyond pricing and include inputs, irrigation, and technology.
“Lahat ng Pilipino naman eh may makakain na bigas kasi alam mo naman para sa atin eh… ulam tuyo lang at saka kanin pwede na eh kaya kanin talaga, yung bigas talaga ang importante (We want every Filipino to have rice to eat. Even with just dried fish, rice is essential),” he said.
The President also highlighted government support for inputs like fertilizer, pesticides, and climate-resilient rice varieties.
Marcos likewise mentioned successful high-value vegetable farming projects in partnership with private firms, but said palay remains a priority.
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