President Marcos’ campaign promise to reduce the price of rice to P20 a kilo has now become a haunting issue as rice is currently selling for P56 to P65 a kilo. The Department of Agriculture (DA) admitted that they never made such a promise and have no plans in place to lower rice prices. This admission by DA Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian has raised concerns among average Filipinos who consume a significant amount of rice each day.
According to a recent survey by the Philippine Statistics Authority, over 10.4 percent of Filipino families have experienced hunger in the past three months. The President attributes the high price of rice to expensive farm-gate costs, agricultural hoarders, and limited importation. The DA claims that global fear of El Niño has caused rice exporters to tighten supply in the world market.
Retired crop science professor, Dr. Teodoro Mendoza, believes that achieving the promised P20 per kilo rice price is only possible if the government subsidizes 55 percent of the market price. Commercially sold rice is twice the farm-gate prices, making it difficult to meet the P20 price without government intervention.
The DA acknowledges that the rice planting cycle is a factor contributing to higher prices. The harvest season is over, and prices are expected to stabilize when the cycle resumes in October. The National Food Authority has also been criticized for having a limited buffer stock, and the private sector is expected to shoulder the remaining 81 days of supply.
The Rice Tariffication Act mandates that the NFA maintains sufficient rice inventory sourced only from local farmers. However, the farmers’ group, Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag), accuses the NFA of favoring rice imports over local farmers. Senator Francis Escudero suggests that Congress should revisit the NFA’s charter to strengthen its power and capacity.
Despite the ongoing finger-pointing, the DA needs to address the impending rice crisis. The President’s formula for lowering rice prices includes subsidizing farm inputs and rice prices, setting price ceilings, regularly monitoring inventory, buying from local farmers, and penalizing cartels and hoarders. However, it raises questions as to why the President, who has not attended meetings with the DA in the last six months, continues to hold the position of DA secretary.
Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual suggests that Filipinos shift their diet to alternatives like sweet potatoes or white corn due to the government’s inability to bring down rice prices and secure more supply. While this suggestion may seem insensitive, every effort counts in addressing the issue.
In conclusion, the DA must take immediate action to resolve the rising rice prices. The President’s formula provides a roadmap for tackling the issue, but it requires the government’s dedication and collaboration with various stakeholders.
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