Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday assured there will be no 'over-importing' of rice despite the country's widening trade engagements. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. made the assurance after the Philippines opened its doors to rice imports from Pakistan following a high-level meeting.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tiu Laurel stated that the country's importation will be 'calibrated' based on the local supply gaps. "The Philippines welcomes Pakistani rice, but we will limit imports strictly to what the country needs. We will not over-import; food security comes first," he said. He emphasized that self-sufficiency remains a priority through local production support and addressing challenges such as weather disruptions, rising demand, and structural challenges in palay (unhusked rice) production in the Philippines.

The proposal from the Pakistani government to the DA was made due to its surplus rice production. Pakistan's request coincided with the DA's review on diversification of sources for imported rice to prevent 'overdependence' on a single supplier. Tiu Laurel stressed that imported rice will remain a "supplement and not a substitute" for local palay.

He highlighted that the move aims to demonstrate the government's efforts to expand international trade and help achieve food security with its counterparts. "This is about widening our engagement with countries that are not necessarily our near neighbors, in the spirit of world trade and cooperation," he added.

The Pakistani government, in turn, expressed interest in importing goods from the Philippines, such as coconuts, seaweeds, fish, and other agricultural commodities.