Calls for stronger reforms to sustain lower rice prices

QUEZON Rep. Mark Enverga on Friday said the government’s decision to sell National Food Authority (NFA) rice at P35 per kilo marks a major step in stabilizing food prices amid the ongoing food security emergency.

Enverga, chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and Food and one of the leaders of Quinta Comm or the House Murang Pagkain Supercommittee created under the instruction of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, welcomed the move but emphasized that further reforms are needed to sustain affordable rice prices and protect both consumers and farmers in the long run.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) confirmed that at least 150,000 metric tons of NFA rice will be released over the next six months—half of its total 300,000 metric-ton buffer stock.

This measure aims to bring retail rice prices closer to pre-July 2023 levels, before supply disruptions led to sharp increases.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the average price of well-milled rice remains at P45 per kilo, significantly higher than NFA’s subsidized price.

Enverga said that the Murang Pagkain Supercommittee continues to monitor these developments.

Formed under House Resolution (HR) No. 254 authored by Speaker Romualdez, the committee brings together five key legislative panels—Ways and Means, Trade and Industry, Agriculture and Food, Social Services, and the Special Committee on Food Security—to combat smuggling, hoarding, price manipulation, and hunger, undermining national food security.

“Ayaw nating maulit ang sitwasyon kung saan lumobo ang presyo ng bigas nang walang matinong paliwanag,” Enverga stressed. “Hindi tayo titigil hanggang hindi natin natitiyak na abot-kaya ang bigas para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino.”

“Salamat sa ating Quinta Comm, sa Department of Agriculture, at sa lahat ng tumulong para maibaba ang presyo ng bigas. P35 kada kilo ng NFA rice ay malaking ginhawa sa mga pamilyang hirap makabili ng mahal na bigas,” Enverga said. “Pero hindi tayo dapat huminto rito. Ang tanong ngayon: paano natin masisigurong hindi lang panandalian ang presyong ito?”

Enverga noted that one of the most significant government interventions in lowering rice prices is Executive Order (EO) No. 62, which was signed in July 2024.

This measure reduced the tariff on imported rice from 35 percent to 15 percent, aiming to make rice imports more affordable and increase supply in the local market.

While the tariff cut helped reduce the cost of imported rice, its benefits have not yet fully reached consumers due to supply chain inefficiencies and price manipulation by certain traders.

Enverga stressed that the government must continue enforcing price transparency and accountability to ensure that consumers fully benefit from price-lowering initiatives. “Malinaw na bumaba na ang presyo ng bigas sa pandaigdigang merkado, bumaba na rin ang taripa sa ilalim ng EO 62, pero bakit hindi pa rin natin ganoon ramdam ang luwag sa presyo?” he questioned. “Kung maayos na naipatupad ito noon pa, baka mas napaaga ang pagbaba ng presyo ng bigas. Hindi dapat napagkakakitaan ng mga kartel ang problema ng taumbayan.”

The lowering of rice import tariffs, along with improved global rice supply conditions, should have already eased food inflation. However, domestic rice prices remain high due to market inefficiencies and price distortions. The lawmaker urged the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to monitor the situation closely.

“Dapat natin gawing malinaw ang presyo mula sa importasyon hanggang sa retail. Kapag may SRP sa wholesale price, mapipigilan natin ang sobrang tubo ng malalaking negosyante,” he said.

“Kailangan nating siguruhing may tamang basehan ang presyo ng bigas—mula sa declared purchase cost, wholesale price, hanggang sa SRP,” he explained.

Enverga also called for regular price policy reviews to ensure that price regulations remain effective and do not unintentionally protect cartels.

“Kung hindi natin sisilipin taun-taon ang epekto ng mga polisiya natin sa presyo ng pagkain, baka hindi natin namamalayan na mas lalo nating sinusuportahan ang mga abusadong negosyante imbes na ang mamimili,” he warned.

Enverga also announced that the Murang Pagkain Supercommittee remains committed to ensuring that Filipino farmers are not left behind in price stabilization efforts.

The House leader from Quezon stressed that despite the need to lower consumer rice prices, the government must ensure a fair farmgate price for palay to safeguard farmer incomes.

Enverga reminded the public that the fight for affordable rice is not just a short-term battle, but a continuous commitment to food security and price stability. “Hindi ito puwedeng ningas-kugon lang. Dapat sigurado tayo na ang mga hakbang na ginagawa natin ngayon ay pangmatagalan, hindi lang para sa eleksyon, kundi para sa kinabukasan ng bansa.”

As rice prices adjust in the coming months, Enverga assured that the government will remain vigilant in enforcing fair pricing, monitoring supply chains, and supporting Filipino farmers.

“Sa dulo ng lahat ng ito, dapat siguruhin natin na may pagkain sa mesa ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino. Hindi lang ito tungkol sa presyo, kundi tungkol sa karapatan nating lahat na magkaroon ng sapat, abot-kaya, at ligtas na pagkain,” he concluded.

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Ryan Ponce Pacpaco