DA to implement P58/Kilo MSRP for imported rice starting January 20

DAVAO CITY — The Department of Agriculture (DA) will set the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice at P58 per kilo, effective January 20, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. announced on Friday. This price was determined following extensive consultations with importers, retailers, rice industry stakeholders, and relevant government agencies.

“This MSRP aims to balance business sustainability with the welfare of consumers and farmers. We must ensure that rice remains affordable while keeping the rice industry profitable,” Secretary Tiu Laurel said. “We cannot allow a few’s actions to harm the nation’s welfare.”

The P58 per kilo MSRP will initially be enforced in Metro Manila, with regular monthly reviews to adjust for factors such as global rice prices. “If global prices continue in their current trend, the MSRP may decrease after the review,” Tiu Laurel added.

Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque expressed the DTI’s full support for the DA’s efforts to reduce consumer rice prices. “We will assist in monitoring and enforcing the prices set by the DA,” she stated.

The DA has held discussions with rice millers, traders, importers, retailers, and various government agencies, including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Finance (DOF), and the Philippine National Police (PNP), to address the persistently high rice prices. This follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s tariff cuts on rice and declining global prices.

In 2024, the Philippines imported a record 4.7 million metric tons of rice, aided by reduced prices and lower tariffs that have discouraged smuggling.

“Based on data and profit margins from importers and retailers, imported 5% broken rice should not exceed P58 per kilo. Rice with higher broken grain percentages should cost even less,” Secretary Tiu Laurel explained.

Tiu Laurel instructed Food Terminals Inc. (FTI) to sell rice at KADIWA ng Pangulo centers and kiosks to provide consumers with more affordable options. Available price includes 5% broken (RFA5) at P45 per kilo, 25% broken (RFA25) at P40, and 100% broken (RFA100 or Sulit Rice) at P36 per kilo. The KADIWA stores will also offer P29-per-kilo rice for vulnerable sectors, including indigents, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, single parents, and Indigenous people.

Additionally, the National Food Authority (NFA) will offer rice stored for at least two months to local government units in Metro Manila at P38 per kilo. “This will help clear our warehouses ahead of the harvest season,” Tiu Laurel said, noting that NFA warehouses are at full capacity.

The DA plans to procure palay at a minimum of P23 per kilo for clean and dry rice in preparation for the next harvest season.

This plan aims to stabilize rice prices while ensuring Filipino consumers access to affordable, high-quality rice.