The National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) approved a resolution on Thursday, Jan. 16, urging the Department of Agriculture (DA) to declare a “food security emergency” for rice as prices for the commodity remain high.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, chairperson of the NPCC, said this move is crucial given that rice prices continue to soar amidst declining global rice costs and tariff reductions ordered by President Marcos.

The declaration would allow the National Food Authority (NFA) to release buffer stock rice to stabilize local prices.

Under this, Roque said the NFA will be allowed to sell rice through Kadiwa centers, local government units (LGI), and other government agencies.

"This declaration empowers the DTI to take decisive action in protecting consumer welfare while strengthening our nation's agricultural backbone,” said Roque in a statement.

As a result, the NFA would replace the disbursed stocks with locally-produced rice.

“By prioritizing the produce of hardworking Filipino farmers, we are fostering a resilient and self-reliant Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines)—one that ensures stability, sustainability, and shared prosperity for both consumers and the agricultural sector," added Roque.

The NFA currently holds 300,000 metric tons of rice in buffer stocks. 

According to the NPCC, releasing these reserves would help decongest warehouses in preparation for the upcoming February harvest.

Under the Rice Tariffication Law enacted in 2019, NFA’s role has been curtailed to only procuring palay (unhusked rice) from local farmers and maintaining buffer stocks. The law removed the agency’s prior authority to regulate rice trading and sell directly to the public.

As such, declaring a food security emergency would temporarily expand its capabilities.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. gave his nod of approval to the NPCC’s resolution. He explained that this is a “critical move” in addressing rice affordability. 

Laurel said he has yet to discuss the matter with the President, noting that he is still waiting to receive the full resolution.

Notwithstanding, if the DA approves the declaration before the end of January, he said this would help lower rice prices by the first week of February.

“It’s additional supply to the market. To the laws of supply and demand, it’s only logical na bababa nang kaunti ang bigas (that rice prices will decrease a bit),” added Laurel, who estimated a decline of within three to five pesos.

The DA chief pointed out that affordable rice prices possess broader economic benefits for the country, given its impact on inflation and interest rate policies.

“Even if you don’t eat rice, lower rice prices help stabilize our economy,” he said.

Based on government data, rice accounts for nearly 10 percent of Filipino household budgets. For poorer families, this is doubled to 20 percent.