Rice traders group commits cooperation with gov't on rice price cap
The Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders Movement (PRISM) will cooperate with the government in supplying and in purchasing affordable rice for consumers.
PRISM lead convenor Rowena Sadicon said they are now working with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on how the group would be able to support the Executive Order 39 issued by President Marcos.
The EO mandates the price of milled rice to P41 and P45 for well-milled rice. The same EO stipulates penalties for the violators, including jail terms of up to 10 years and fine of up to P1 million.
“Meron kaming mga network ng mga retailers, ito ay aming minomonitor at sinisigurado na magkakaroon sila ng supply. Nakikipagtulungan din kami sa DA at DTI para masuportahan din ang mga retailers na wala pang supply para sa 45 pesos at 41 (We have a network of retailers, which we monitor and make sure they have the supply. We are also working with DA and DTI to also support retailers who do not have supplies for 45 pesos and 41),” said Sadicon.
Sadicon admitted difficulties in complying with the President’s order, explaining that the current stocks of rice of the retailers were bought at a higher price.
She said the compliance is supposed to be after the harvest in the coming weeks but since the EO already took effect on Sept. 5, they have no choice but to comply.
Sadicon said that while they were all surprised with the order, the next step to do right now is the cooperation of all value chain—from rice producers, rice millers and traders.
Sadicon also advised the public to inform them of non-compliance on the part of the retailers for proper action. (Trixee Rosel)