By CESAR JOLITO III
The national government’s move to temporarily halt rice importation for two months, starting September 1, is gaining broad support from both local agricultural groups and provincial leaders, who view the measure as vital protection for Filipino farmers.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. approved the 60-day suspension yesterday following the recommendation of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. in a bid to support local rice producers amid plunging farmgate prices during the coming harvest season.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson praised the directive, describing it as a strategic effort to shield farmers from the economic impact of low rice prices and ensure that the country’s existing rice supply is prioritized.
“This suspension is a form of protection for our farmers,” Lacson told members of the media at the Provincial Capitol yesterday.
“It shows that the President is putting the welfare of farmers ahead of rice traders,” he added.
Lacson said importation could resume if domestic rice prices begin to surge, but emphasized that the government must first exhaust all means to stabilize the local supply chain and help producers earn a sustainable income.
Meanwhile, Pedro Limpangog, president of the Federation of Irrigators’ Association of Central Negros–Bago River Irrigation System, also welcomed the move, calling it a “lifeline” for rice farmers who are barely breaking even.
Limpangog said the temporary import ban will help stabilize farmgate prices and shield local rice producers from steep losses due to the influx of cheaper imported rice, which often drives down the market value of locally produced palay (unhusked rice).
He said the current cost of producing palay (unhusked rice) is around P13 per kilo, while gate prices are only between P14 and P15 per kilo — leaving farmers with a profit margin as low as P1 per kilo.
“We are not against imported rice per se,” Limpangog clarified, “But we hope that palay prices do not drop too low, and at the same time, that rice prices remain affordable for consumers.”
While he clarified that farmers are not opposed to the presence of imported rice in the market, Limpangog urged the government to avoid pricing structures that hurt local producers and called for a higher buying price for fresh palay — ideally between P20 and P30 per kilo.
President Marcos earlier instructed the National Food Authority to procure palay at P18 per kilo.
While this is a welcome development, farmers say it remains below the level needed to ensure profitability and sustainability.
Both Lacson and Limpangog agree that the temporary import ban must be matched with long-term support mechanisms such as production subsidies, higher support prices and measures to reduce input costs.
The rice import suspension is set to take effect just as farmers enter peak harvest season, giving them a window of opportunity to sell their produce at better prices without facing competition from cheaper imported rice./CJ, WDJ