Manila: The government has announced the formation of an inter-agency steering committee to ensure the effective implementation of the palay (unhusked rice) floor price as outlined in Executive Orders (EO) 100 and 101. This initiative is part of the administration’s strategy to stabilize rice prices, support farmers, and protect them from unfair trading practices.
According to Philippines News Agency, during a joint press briefing, Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III emphasized the significance of the twin EOs signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on October 25. Estrella highlighted that the Department of Agriculture (DA), National Food Authority (NFA), and several other government agencies have collaborated to draft a plan, which has been submitted to Malacanang for approval.
Estrella explained that the primary goal is to ensure that all national government agencies, including departments like the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and government-owned corporations, purchase rice sourced directly from Filipino farmers. He stated that this approach aims to assure farmers of a stable income and prevent market manipulation.
The EOs outline a framework where the DA will regularly set a minimum buying price for palay, considering production costs, market conditions, and farmer welfare. The initiative is supported by consultations with a multi-agency committee. As part of the effort to maintain grain quality, public facilities may be temporarily used as storage areas to avoid post-harvest losses.
Estrella and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. cautioned that entities purchasing palay below the designated floor price could face administrative sanctions. The floor price is set between PHP17 to PHP23 per kilogram for wet palay and PHP23 to PHP30 per kilogram for dried palay. The initiative is designed to stabilize the rice market and prevent price surges during harvest seasons.
Complementing this, EO 101 mandates the full implementation of the Sagip Saka Act, aiming to enhance the income of farmers and fisherfolk through enterprise development and direct government procurement. Senator Francis Pangilinan, the act’s author, stated that EO 101 allows agencies and local government units to directly purchase agricultural products from accredited cooperatives and farmers without public bidding.
Under EO 101, the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development (FFED) Program will work to build the capacity of farmers and fisherfolk, expand market access, and promote sustainable livelihoods. The FFED Council will oversee the program’s implementation and provide biannual progress reports to the President.
Estrella assured that the Department of Agrarian Reform, along with its list of agrarian reform beneficiaries, will assist in monitoring compliance. The Department of Agriculture also encouraged farmers, agrarian reform beneficiaries, and organizations to register with the DA to be included in the compliant list. Estrella noted that if government purchases are directly from farmers, it would provide a significant boost and ensure fair prices, creating a robust market for rice growers.
