MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to pursue those responsible for a P202 million shipment of frozen fish that was misdeclared as plant-based products from China.

This follows an inspection led by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. at the South Harbor in Manila on Monday (03 Mar 2025).

Laurel, joined by the DA’s Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) and Bureau of Customs (BOC), checked two out of 19 containers holding frozen mackerel, which had been falsely declared as processed plant-based goods like fried taro sticks and sweet potato balls.

“We, along with the BOC and the FDA, will track down these perpetrators and bring them to justice,” said Laurel.

The shipment, which arrived on January 1, posed a serious risk to the market. If it had entered circulation, it could have allowed smugglers to profit by selling the goods at high prices, negatively affecting the market.

Laurel emphasized that those behind the misdeclaration could face charges under the new Anti-Economic Sabotage Act, as the shipment’s value exceeds P200 million, making it subject to severe penalties, including non-bailable charges.

FDA Director-General Samuel Zacate reiterated that the FDA would not tolerate such activities, assuring ongoing coordination with the DA and BOC under a formal agreement. BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio confirmed the shipments were consigned to Straradava Household Products Co. Ltd. and Fendee Consumer Goods Trading, both single proprietorships.

Under the law, the FDA handles plant-based food products, while the DA’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources regulates imported fish and marine products.

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By Celeste Tamayo

MANILA — Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel announced on Monday (Feb. 10, 2025) that commercial rice prices could drop to P49 per kilo by March 1.

“By February 15, our MSRP will be P52. By March 1, hopefully, they will have bought new stocks from Vietnam, Myanmar, or Cambodia at a lower price, so our MSRP will be P49,” Laurel said.

“Premium five-percent broken rice, which was previously P64, should drop to P49 by March 1 as the MSRP,” he added.

In a Palace press briefing, Laurel explained that new stocks of rice are expected to arrive from Vietnam, Myanmar, or Cambodia.

The current Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is P55 per kilo, following the Department of Agriculture’s approval to allow the disposal of old stocks.

Laurel stated that the price drop is partly due to traders and retailers responding to the government’s call to reduce excessive profits and align prices with the global market.

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MANILA — On Monday (February 3, 2025), Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. declared a Food Security Emergency due to the “extraordinary” rise in rice prices.

This declaration, outlined in Department Circular No. 03, will remain in effect until lifted, with reviews every four months.

Despite global rice prices dropping and a reduction in rice tariff rates from 35% to 15% in July, local rice prices have stayed high.

The Department of Agriculture’s move follows a recommendation from the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC), which reported rice inflation at 17.9% in September 2023—well above the government’s 4% target for food inflation.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed that the price of regular and well-milled rice increased by 19% and 20%, respectively, in December 2023, compared to pre-July 2023 levels.

The declaration, authorized under the Rice Tariffication Law, comes in response to supply shortages and the ongoing price surge.

Consumer groups and market experts are calling for more transparency and government intervention to address the root causes of the price spikes.

Many believe that the combination of supply chain disruptions and insufficient local production has led to the continued rise in rice prices, urging the government to implement more long-term solutions, such as boosting local rice production and improving distribution efficiency.

In the meantime, the Department of Agriculture is expected to monitor the situation closely and implement further strategies to ease the pressure on consumers, including the potential importation of rice to fill the supply gaps.

With food security at risk, authorities are focused on balancing the needs of the local agricultural sector while addressing the challenges posed by rising prices.

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AGRICULTURE Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. announced on Thursday that the price of the 25% broken rice variety sold under the Department of Agriculture’s Rice-for-All program (RFA25) will be reduced from P40 to P38 per kilogram.

“This price reduction will take effect on Friday, just ahead of the implementation of the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) of P58 per kilo for 5% broken imported rice,” Secretary Tiu Laurel said during a joint public market inspection with Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque at the Mutya ng Pasig.

The MSRP for imported rice is set to be enforced beginning Monday, January 20, initially targeting Metro Manila markets. The measure will be reviewed monthly to reflect fluctuations in global market prices and tariff rates, with plans to extend the program to other key cities nationwide. Should imported rice prices frequently exceed the MSRP, the DA intends to implement a stricter Suggested Retail Price (SRP) framework accompanied by fines and penalties for violations.

According to Secretary Tiu Laurel, the MSRP framework includes a nominal profit margin of approximately P10 per kilogram above the landed cost of imported rice, excluding specialty rice varieties such as malagkit, Japanese, and black rice. “If world rice prices remain stable, we anticipate a reduction in the MSRP after the February review,” he added.

The current rice tariff, reduced from 35% to 15% under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order 62 last July to mitigate rice costs, is also under evaluation. This tariff policy mandates a review every four months, with the next assessment scheduled for March.

In addition to RFA25, the Rice-for-All program, a critical component of the KADIWA ng Pangulo initiative, features other affordable rice options for consumers. These include RFA5, which contains 5% broken grains priced at P45 per kilogram, and RFA100, a 100% broken variety, popularly known as “Sulit Rice,” available at P36 per kilogram.

Furthermore, the Rice-for-All program is complemented by P29 rice to ensure even wider access to affordable rice varieties. These offerings are being expanded across public markets and KADIWA centers to better serve Filipino consumers.

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) are set to enhance the implementation of a localized agriculture production program, aiming to ensure food security and alleviate poverty in the country.

Heading the initiative is the Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay, Kadiwa’y Yaman, Plants for Bountiful Barangays Movement (HAPAG Kay PBBM) Program, a comprehensive effort by the government.

The Presidential Communications Office describes the “HAPAG Kay PBBM Program” as a whole-of-government initiative that seeks to increase access to fresh, safe, and affordable food through urban and peri-urban agriculture, along with community engagement.

As part of the program, the DA will offer technical assistance, seeds and seedlings, fertilizers, pesticides, and financial support to participating barangays and farmers.

Meanwhile, the DILG will provide training and support to barangay officials, guiding them on how to effectively implement the program and mobilize the participation of barangay residents.

The program was simultaneously launched in various barangays across different regions.

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By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — The newly appointed Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Monday said that the P20 per kilogram unit price of rice was “an inspiration but still not possible today.”
In a press briefing, Laurel said he hopes to make the rice more affordable but “it will be not easy.”

“The P20 per kilo (unit price) was an aspiration, ‘di ba? Ang problem now, we are in the 15-year high sa world market…Today that is not possible. But with ‘yung directive ni Presidente to modernize, irrigate, use the right seeds, mechanize, and all of that, maraming gagawin, we are getting ready to do our best, to try to make rice affordable na kayang-kaya ng bulsa ng mamamayan,” Laurel said.

“But of course, modernizing is not easy. So it might take a little time, but we will do it as fast as possible,” he added.

The DA chief said that lowering the price of rice would be possible, however, he did not mention the exact price.

“It is possible to lower the price. But we have to have our silos, we have to have buffer stock, we have to change some laws, I believe,” Laurel said.

Earlier, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who at the time was the DA Secretary, was confident about lowering the price of rice to P20 per kilo nationwide.

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Photo from Daily Tribune

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — New Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. denied allegations that he was appointed to the position as “payback” of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to the fishing tycoon’s donation during PBBM’s presidential campaign in 2022.

According to a report from the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), Laurel was one of the top donors during the campaign.

According to reports, the fishing tycoon allegedly contributed at least P30 million during the campaign last year for PBBM.
“There is no payback. As I said, sacrifice na rin ito, it’s for the country talaga. ‘Yun lang masasabi ko,” Laurel said.

Meanwhile, the DA chief also clarified that there will be no conflict of interest since he already divested from his fishing companies.

“Basically nag-divest na ako. I have no more interests in all the companies I used to own,” he said.

“DA is a full-time job. I have no time to do anything else. Malaki itong departamento, complicated ng konti, there are 28 bureaus and GOCCs. Wala akong time to think of other things,” Laurel added.

Earlier, Marcos announced the appointment of Laurel as the new DA chief and was lauded by legislators, saying that his appointment was “timely.”

Marcos has been the DA Secretary since he assumed the presidency.

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By Junex Doronio

LOOKS LIKE PRESIDENTIAL BUDDY Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. will have rough sailing for his confirmation hearing as opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros has expressed her firm resolve to grill fishing magnate-turned-Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on the veracity of “murmurs of conflict of interest.”

Hontiveros pointed out that the government’s policies on food security under the DA “should not be compromised for corporate and oligarchic interests.”

The democratic socialist lawmaker who will be the likely opposition standard bearer in 2028 stated on Friday, November 3, after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced Laurel’s appointment as the new DA chief.

On the other hand, national democrat House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said on Friday that the appointment of Laurel Jr. as the new DA Secretary smacks of a political payback since the fishing magnate contributed at least P30 million to the presidential bid of Marcos Jr. in the 2022 elections through the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP).

“We will await Secretary Tiu-Laurel when he goes before the Commission on Appointments, so these issues affecting his capacity to lead the DA can be scrutinized and the concerns of our peasant farmers and fisherfolk discussed,” Hontiveros said.

Laurel is president of Frabelle Fishing Corporation, a seafood production company that was first established in 1966.

On its website, Frabelle owns “a fleet of over 100 vessels and a growing workforce of 5,000.”

It is described as a “go-to source for fresh, frozen, and processed seafood, with a market that extends to Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South Africa, and the United States.”

“Handa akong makinig at makatrabaho kayo,” said Laurel at a press conference on Friday.

“Higit sa lahat, ako’y handang magtrabaho para sa inyo.” Laurel promised the agricultural sector.

Despite her reservations about Laurel’s appointment, Hontiveros has expressed hope that long-standing issues in the agriculture sector will be finally addressed with the assumption of a full-time secretary at the DA’s helm. (ai/mnm)

By Junex Doronio

HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL for the reduction of rice prices as the head of the Agriculture Department’s Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) on Wednesday revealed that rice prices have finally started to stabilize.

As of Tuesday, September 19, the DA said rice was being sold now in Metro Manila at P40 to P62 per kilo.

“Dahil nga ang ating mga presyo ay nagiging stable na, once we find, the [Department of Agriculture] and the [Department of Trade and Industry], find it na ito ay stable na, we can already recommend to the President kung ano ang future na puwedeng gawin,” BPI Director Glenn Panganiban said.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. has also expressed confidence that rice prices could still go down to as low as P20 per kilo as he promised during the 2022 presidential campaign.

“May chance lagi ‘yan,” the President said on Tuesday, September 19, when interviewed by reporters in Zamboanga City.

The DA-BPI said that based on its monitoring, 90 percent of rice retailers in Metro Manila follow the mandated price ceiling of P41 per kilo for regular milled rice and P45 per kilo for well-milled rice.

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