MANILA, Philippines — To cushion the blow of an impending domestic supply deficit, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed Executive Order No. 129, significantly raising the minimum access volume (MAV) for corn imports for the current year.
Under the new directive, the import quota for corn has been ramped up from 220,000 metric tons to 500,000 metric tons. The policy adjustment comes in response to an expected yellow corn supply shortfall estimated by the Department of Agriculture (DA) at roughly 1.422 million metric tons spanning March to December 2026, driven by localized production limitations and surging operational expenses.
The executive order emphasizes that swift action is necessary to stabilize markets for the livestock, poultry, and feed milling sectors.
”There is an urgent need to address the projected supply gap in yellow corn, ensure adequate and stable supply of corn for the livestock, poultry, and feed milling industries, and mitigate pressures on feed and food prices,” the EO stated.
Government officials warn that unaddressed corn shortages could drive up feed expenditures, ultimately triggering higher production costs for meat producers and inflating retail prices for pork and chicken across Filipino households.
Described as a temporary and calibrated strategy, the quota expansion aims to supplement homegrown supplies for qualified feed millers, manufacturers, and agricultural cooperatives engaged in livestock and poultry operations.
Meanwhile, the MAV Management Committee (MMC) has been tasked with drafting and publishing implementation guidelines within 30 days of the order taking effect, ensuring that the distribution of the additional 280,000 metric tons remains fair and transparent.