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.

ia/mnm

By Liza Soriano

Senators have welcomed the appointment of Francisco Tiu Laurel as the new Department of Agriculture Secretary.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said that Laurel has the management experience and the “common touch to lead what is perhaps the most important agency in the country today.”

“I am glad that the President personally headed the Department of Agriculture for a time… but it is also right that the DA now be helmed by a new Secretary who can be devoted to the agriculture sector,” Zubiri said in a statement.

Sen. Chiz Escudero lauded President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for choosing a full-time DA Secretary.

Escudero said he has known Laurel to be a “sincere, no-nonsense, honest and hardworking patriot.”

“I congratulate Secretary Laurel on his appointment, wish him well, and look forward to working with him.”

Meanwhile, Sen. Grace Poe said that the new DA chief must have the focus, fortitude to get things done, and genuine feeling for the sector.

“As the first order of the day, we hope the new DA chief would take to heart the President’s warning in his SONA against smugglers, hoarders and price fixers,” Poe said.

“Kailangan din ng pangmatagalang programang magpapapataas sa produksyon sa agrikultura at mangangalaga sa kapakanan ng ating magsasaka,” she added.

On Friday, Marcos announced that he administered the oath of Laurel as the new DA Secretary.

(ai/mnm)