Here’s a bold move that’s stirring up debate in the Philippines: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has extended the ban on rice imports until the end of the year, a decision aimed at stabilizing the farm-gate prices of palay (unhusked rice). But here’s where it gets controversial—while the ban has had minimal impact on retail prices and rice supply, it’s significantly boosted the income of local farmers. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. explained that this extension is crucial to protect farmers from plummeting prices, especially after the initial two-month ban from September to October showed promising results.
The story doesn’t end there. And this is the part most people miss—before the import freeze, palay prices in major rice-producing provinces like Isabela and Nueva Ecija had dropped to as low as ₱8 per kilo. After the ban, prices surged to ₱13 to ₱14 per kilo, though they later eased slightly. This fluctuation highlights the delicate balance between supporting farmers and ensuring affordable rice for consumers. The Department of Agriculture’s data reveals that prices peaked at ₱16.50 per kilo in early September before settling around ₱13.50, still barely above production costs, which range from ₱12 to ₱14 per kilo.
Here’s the kicker: despite these gains, farm-gate prices remain below the ₱17 per kilo floor price the government is targeting under Executive Order 100. This raises a thought-provoking question: Is the current approach enough to sustain farmers’ livelihoods, or does the system need a more radical overhaul? Meanwhile, some groups are pushing for a gradual increase in tariffs on imported rice to 35%, adding another layer of complexity to the debate.
This decision isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the livelihoods of millions of Filipino farmers and the affordability of a staple food. What do you think? Is the extended ban a step in the right direction, or does it risk creating long-term challenges? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going!
