Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday said rice import arrivals will help ensure a stable supply and prices of retail rice in the country amid the looming strong El Ni±o.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) reported that as of May 28, total arrivals of imported rice since January have reached 2.22 million metric tons (MT), which is higher than the 1.93 million MT recorded for the same period in 2025. In a press conference, Agriculture spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa stated that the volume of arrivals will aid local production, which may potentially decline due to extreme weather conditions.

"Considering the inflation and cheaper price of imported rice, I guess that's enough reason to justify why the volume of import is higher," de Mesa said. He emphasized the need for preparations in case of substantial effects from El Ni±o. The DA estimates that a strong El Ni±o could reduce rice production by at least 700,000 metric tons (MT).

De Mesa further explained that these figures are exclusive to the impact of El Ni±o, and if typhoons are considered, there could be an additional loss of 500,000 to 600,000 MT in palay (unhusked rice) harvest, based on average annual production losses due to such weather events.

The DA also assured continued support for local palay farmers through higher suggested retail prices for local rice. The agency is considering imposing a PHP53 per kilogram suggested retail price (SRP) for local rice within the month, which is higher than the PHP50 per kilogram price cap for 5 percent broken imported rice.

"We need to put a premium on the hardship of our farmers because if we further reduce the price, farmgate prices will be affected," de Mesa stated. He stressed the importance of maintaining the planting intentions of farmers.

As of Tuesday, premium imported rice in Metro Manila sells at PHP46 to PHP62 per kilo, while the price of imported well-milled rice ranges from PHP48 to PHP50 per kilo, and imported regular-milled rice at PHP42 to PHP43 per kilo, as per the DA Bantay Presyo (Price Watch). Local premium rice is priced at PHP48 to PHP60 per kilo, while the prevailing prices of local well-milled rice and regular milled rice remain both at PHP50 per kilo.