The Department of Agriculture (DA) expressed confidence that farmgate prices of palay will continue to climb following the government’s decision to extend the rice import ban until the end of 2025.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. confirmed that the extension took effect on November 1, though the DA is still awaiting the release of the official order from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
In a separate statement, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the policy is designed to stabilize farmgate prices and support local rice producers.
“Ang main objective nito una, maging matatag ‘yung presyo ng palay,” De Mesa said.
Since the import restriction began, farmgate prices have increased to ₱14 per kilogram, and in some provinces, reached as high as ₱16 per kg, compared to ₱8 to ₱10 per kg at the start of the harvest season.
De Mesa noted that the move also promotes consumption of locally produced rice, adding that imported stocks are already dwindling.
“Konti na lang din naman ‘yung bigas na imported sa mga tindahan… Baka nga before December, paubos na ‘yung imported. Ang maganda naman dito, marami tayong locally produced rice,” he said.
According to DA-Bantay Presyo, as of November 1, the average price of imported premium rice in Metro Manila is ₱48.23 per kg, while imported well-milled and regular-milled rice sell for ₱41 and ₱39.55 per kg, respectively.
For local varieties, prices range from ₱37.15 for regular-milled to ₱48.56 per kg for premium-grade rice.
The DA said it will continue strict market monitoring and warned that retailers found selling at excessive prices may face show-cause orders.