MANILA (August 31) – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order (EO) No. 93, mandating the Department of Agriculture (DA) to lead and oversee the 60-day suspension of the importation of regular milled and well-milled rice.
According to the order signed on August 29, the suspension will take effect from September 1 to October 30, 2025, unless shortened or extended upon the recommendation of concerned agencies. Specialty rice varieties not commonly produced by local farmers are exempted from the ban.
“The DA is hereby directed to lead and monitor the implementation of the suspension of rice importation, and undertake necessary measures to ensure that the country’s supply of rice remains sufficient during the period of suspension, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations,” the EO stated.
The directive requires the DA to work closely with the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Together, the three agencies must convene within 30 days of EO 93’s effectivity to evaluate its impact on domestic supply and prevailing prices, and within 15 days thereafter submit a joint recommendation to the President through the Executive Secretary on whether the suspension should be lifted or extended.
To ensure proper implementation, the DA is tasked to immediately issue guidelines in coordination with the Bureau of Customs and the DTI.
The suspension follows a DA recommendation after local rice prices dropped sharply due to strong production in early 2025 and an influx of imports brought by reduced tariff rates. The measure coincides with peak harvest season, intended to stabilize prices and support farmers by enabling the market to absorb local palay (unhusked rice).
EO 93, made public on Saturday, will take effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
