Negros occidental: Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has expressed his support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to suspend rice importation for 60 days starting September 1. “I’m in favor because the President prioritized the farmers over the traders,” Lacson stated in an interview on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the rice importation ban is intended to protect local farmers amid concerns about the declining buying price of palay, or unhusked rice. This suspension will allow for the utilization of existing rice supplies. Negros Occidental excelled in the first half of 2025, ranking first in Western Visayas with an average yield of 3.94 metric tons per hectare in rice production. Additionally, the province secured second place in total rice production, with a harvest of 192,509.94 metric tons from 48,877.24 hectares of rice-planted land.

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez announced the development after President Marcos convened with his Cabinet during a five-day state visit to New Delhi, India. The temporary halt in rice importation is designed to stabilize local palay prices and prevent the undercutting of farmers by cheaper imported rice, Gomez explained.

In a separate statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. described the suspension of rice importation and the deferred decision on tariff hikes as strategic measures to protect both Filipino farmers and consumers. He emphasized the importance of a “balanced” approach to ensure that local palay producers receive a fair income while keeping retail rice affordable for consumers.

According to the Department of Agriculture, the recommendation to suspend rice imports was driven by the country’s significant rice inventory, which is impacting both retail and farmgate prices of palay.