Manila: The supply and market prices of local rice will remain unaffected despite the recent impact of inclement weather on palay (unhusked rice) production, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced.
According to Philippines News Agency, the rice sector experienced the highest agricultural damage, totaling PHP1.07 billion and resulting in a loss of approximately 29,482 metric tons (MT) due to the combined effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay, and Neneng, as reported by the DA-Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Operations Center.
In a phone interview, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa explained that the volume loss is minimal compared to the country's annual palay output. "Itong volume na ito is napakaliit kumpara sa kabuuang hina-harvest natin (This volume is very small compared to the overall harvest) every year of 20 million metric tons," he told the Philippine News Agency. He noted that most of the production losses are only partially damaged, leaving room for recovery.
The wet season harvest is scheduled to begin in mid-September and continue until November. Local retail market prices remain stable despite the damage to the rice sector. De Mesa stated, "So, wala itong epekto-'yung losses na ito sa presyuhan natin sa palengke. In fact, bumababa pa (this has no effect- the losses have no impact on our retail prices. In fact, it's even dropping)."
As of Monday, local premium rice in Metro Manila sells at PHP45 to PHP62 per kilo, while the prevailing prices for local well-milled rice and regular milled rice are at PHP48 and PHP45 a kilo, respectively, according to the DA Bantay Presyo (Price Watch).
The Department of Agriculture is encouraging the public to practice responsible rice consumption to prevent wastage. In an effort to strengthen food security and support local rice farmers, the DA has intensified its 'Be Riceponsible' campaign. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel emphasized the importance of reducing waste and choosing healthier rice options. "Every grain of rice carries the work of a Filipino farmer. When we waste less, choose wisely, and support locally produced rice, we strengthen not only our farmers' livelihoods but also our country's food security," he stated.
DA Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development Christopher Morales highlighted the significance of disciplined consumption, noting that every grain saved from waste effectively adds to the food available without additional land, water, inputs, or production costs.
The DA has also urged the public to prioritize buying local rice, such as PhilGAP-certified products, and explore healthier options like brown, pigmented, low-glycemic index, and high-zinc rice, as well as rice mixes using corn, saba, camote, and adlai, which offer more fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
On Monday night, the DA reported that agricultural damage had increased to PHP1.91 billion after recent field validations following heavy rains. The rice sector suffered the largest damage, with losses of 29,482 metric tons (MT) valued at PHP1.07 billion. The DA assured necessary intervention to mitigate the impact on local food producers.
At least PHP273.66 million worth of agricultural aid is allocated for various sectors, with about PHP237.99 million directed towards agricultural inputs for rice, corn, and vegetables. Additionally, about PHP35.67 million in insurance payouts for 5,005 insured farmers and fishers are available through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation. Zero-interest loans of up to PHP25,000 per farmer are accessible under the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan, payable over three years.
The National Food Authority (NFA) has distributed 3,631 bags of milled rice to affected local government units (LGUs) in Ilocos, Cagayan, Central Luzon, and Mimaropa. The DA-DRRM has also established DA CAR Help Desks at the Benguet AgriPinoy Trading Center and La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post to assist affected farmers. Furthermore, the DA has mobilized logistical support for farmers through the deployment of Kadiwa trucks and implemented key actions to prevent spoilage and wastage for high-value crops.
