By JEN BAYLON

The Department of Agriculture in Negros Island Region (DA-NIR) has confirmed a slight decrease in rice prices in Negros Occidental.

Based on DA-NIR’s latest price monitoring from major markets in Bacolod City, including Libertad and Burgos Public Markets, the price of premium rice has dropped by P2 per kilo compared to previous weeks.

The current average price for premium rice now ranges from P50 to P55 per kilo, while regular-milled rice is being sold at P40 to P44 per kilo.

Locally produced rice prices remain unchanged.

DA-NIR Regional Executive Director Engineer Jose Albert Barrogo clarified that this price movement is observed mainly in premium rice, which is often blended with imported varieties entering the country.

Barrogo also emphasized that the DA conducts weekly monitoring of rice prices across local government units in Negros Occidental to track any adjustments and ensure transparency in the market.

Recent data from the Philippine Statistics Authority supports this trend, showing a -4.5 percent annual growth rate for rice prices in Negros Occidental as of February 2025, indicating a general decline in rice costs over the past year.

The DA assures the public that it will continue to monitor rice prices and supply, especially as the province prepares for the rollout of the P20 per kilo rice program for indigent families./JB, WDJ