The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Negros Island Region (NIR) is monitoring the prices of rice in its three provinces amid the implementation of the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Engineer Albert Barogo, DA-NIR regional director, told the Philippine News Agency in an interview yesterday that despite the MSRP of rice being limited only to the NCR, they are directed to keep an eye on the prices at the regional and provincial levels.

“We have asked the local government units [LGUs] to submit a weekly report of rice prices to determine if there are adjustments,” Barogo said.

The provinces of Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, and Siquijor comprise the NIR.

The MSRP of imported rice took effect on February 5 at the NCR following the agency’s administrative order to bring down the prices of the staple, he said.

Barogo further said LGUs have the authority to check and regulate the prices of rice in their areas through their Local Price Monitoring Councils to prevent possible unnecessary increases.

The latest monitoring report received by Barogo’s office showed that suppliers sell rice as high as P60 a kilo or more for the “blue tag.” (PNA)