The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced it will continue rice importations throughout the year, pivoting from its previous harvest-season import suspension to build buffer stocks ahead of a strong El Niño expected to impact domestic output into early 2027.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. explained that securing sufficient supply takes priority over import restrictions due to severe weather risks that could cut palay production by an estimated 750,000 metric tons.
Unlike the strategy implemented late last year, which paused imports from September to December to defend farmgate prices, the department is taking a proactive stance as rice imports reached 3.3 million metric tons as of August 3.
“As of Aug. 3, rice imports have reached 3.3 million metric tons. Unlike last year, we will not suspend imports because we have to prepare for the impact of a strong El Niño expected around November and December,” Tiu Laurel said.
“Our responsibility is to ensure the country has enough buffer stocks well before the next harvest. Food security means being proactive, not reacting after supplies tighten.”
To shield local producers from dipping market prices, the DA directed the National Food Authority (NFA) to aggressively buy local palay during the wet season, targeting 500,000 metric tons.
Supported by a boosted ₱14-billion procurement budget allocated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the NFA is offering minimum buying rates of ₱21 per kilogram for wet palay and ₱25 to ₱27 per kilogram for dry palay.
“The President’s instruction is straightforward. The NFA must have the funds and the warehouse capacity to buy more palay from our farmers,” Tiu Laurel said.
“We are clearing space now so procurement can accelerate as the harvest begins later this month.”
Simultaneously, the DA plans to double its subsidized rice sales through the Benteng Bigas, Meron Na! and Kadiwa ng Pangulo programs, aiming to distribute 40,000 metric tons of ₱20-per-kilogram NFA rice monthly to targeted beneficiaries while maintaining regular market retail prices around ₱47 to ₱50 per kilogram.
“We want a market where farmers receive fair compensation, millers and traders operate sustainably, and consumers continue to enjoy reasonably priced rice,” Tiu Laurel said.