Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday assured that contingency measures are in place, alongside intensified monitoring of food prices amid rising inflation pressures as tensions in the Middle East continue. This came after the country experienced faster food inflation in February, rising to 1.6 percent from 0.7 percent in January, according to recent data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
According to Philippines News Agency, the slight uptick, however, was still slower than the 2.6 percent food inflation logged for the same period last year. In a statement, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the DA is now exploring ways to cushion the impact of potential price shocks. "We are now taking steps to secure supply so food and farm inputs are sufficient in anticipation of price shocks that may follow the current situation in the Middle East," he said.
Earlier, the DA assured a sufficient supply of rice considering the arrival of 707,711.46 metric tons (MT) of imported rice since January, ahead of the local peak harvest season for palay (unhusked rice). At least PHP100 million worth of fuel subsidy is also ready for release to eligible farmers and fishers to prevent a dramatic impact on local food production.
Tiu Laurel also assured that authorities are closely watching markets to protect Filipino consumers, especially those from the poorest households. "We have intensified our price monitoring activities to ensure that supply and price of food remain stable even in the face of challenges," he said.
PSA data showed that inflation for the poorest families accelerated to 2.5 percent in February, higher than 1.6 percent in January and 1.5 percent for the same month in 2025. The agency sees the trend as an "early signal" for a potential pressure buildup among Filipino households in case the Middle East tensions worsen.
Rice prices continued to decelerate last month at 3.4 percent, compared to 8.5 percent in January. Other food prices, however, accelerated, including other staples like corn, flour, bread and other cereals, fish, seafood, vegetables, fruits and milk.
