Lawmakers Push for Rice Price Stability to Protect Farmers and Consumers

During the budget deliberations for the 2026 National Expenditure Program, Rep. Brian Poe of the FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list highlighted the urgent necessity for continuous rice price stabilization efforts that safeguard both consumers and farmers. Poe, who serves as vice chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, stressed that maintaining affordable rice prices should not come at the expense of farmers' livelihoods.

"There are two sides to the rice issue—the consumer side and the supply side. While we work to make rice affordable for households, we must also ensure our farmers earn a decent income. If prices collapse, our farmers lose their motivation and capacity to plant. That is a long-term threat to food security," Poe stated.

The legislator from Pangasinan pointed out the need for structural reforms empowering the National Food Authority (NFA) to regulate rice imports effectively. He urged amending the Rice Tariffication Law to restore the NFA’s authority to impose quantitative import restrictions, which Poe believes is key to balancing stable market prices and fair farmgate income.

Rice remains a staple food in the Philippines, making its price stability a critical national issue.

At the hearing, Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. reported that the temporary halt on rice imports from September 1 to October 31 is already yielding positive results. This move intends to shield local farmers from the adverse effects of declining farmgate prices.

"We can see that the stoppage of imports has succeeded. Before, rice prices fell as low as ₱8 to ₱10 per kilo, which severely hurt our farmers. Now, we are seeing more stability, with prices ranging between ₱11 to ₱14. This gives our farmers much-needed relief while ensuring that rice remains available in the market," Tiu Laurel explained.

He further clarified that although import permits approved previously allowed bulk rice shipments until mid-September, no new rice imports are scheduled between September 20 and November 15. The Department will consider issuing new import permits only starting November 2, unless the suspension is extended, with arrivals anticipated by mid-November.

"This measure ensures that during the harvest season, our local farmers are prioritized and protected from sudden price drops caused by oversupply of imported rice," the DA secretary added.

Rep. Poe acknowledged these efforts but emphasized that temporary import suspensions alone will not resolve the recurring volatility in rice prices. He pledged continued support for policies that strengthen the Department of Agriculture and promote the welfare of both farmers and consumers.

"Our people feel the impact of rice prices directly. If the DA performs well in ensuring stable supply and fair prices, our people feel it right away. That is why I will continue to support measures that strengthen the Department and uplift the lives of both our farmers and consumers," Poe concluded.