By CESAR JOLITO III
Rice farmers in Negros Occidental are seeing improved earnings as farmgate prices of palay remain stable and higher than earlier this year, even after the province was hit by Typhoon “Tino.”
Pedro Limpangog, president of the Federation of Irrigators’ Associations of Central Negros – Bago River Irrigation System (FIACN-BRIS), said the farmgate price of palay has increased to between P17 and P18 per kilogram, up from the previous P12 to P13 range.
The price increase has allowed farmers to move beyond merely recovering production costs and begin earning a profit, particularly those cultivating larger tracts of land.
“Before, at around P13 to P14 per kilo, the price was just enough to cover capital expenses. Now, at P17 to P18, farmers can finally make a reasonable income,” Limpangog said in an interview.
He noted that despite the effects of Typhoon “Tino,” the quality of palay harvested in the province remains good.
Harvest operations are still ongoing in several areas, especially in northern Negros, indicating that rice production has largely remained resilient.
In local markets affiliated with FIACN-BRIS, rice is currently selling at about P1,900 per 50-kilo bag, or roughly P38 per kilogram, with some markets reaching P2,000 per bag.
Import suspension boosts local prices
Limpangog attributed the improved farmgate prices partly to the national government’s temporary suspension of rice importation, which he said helped protect local farmers from cheaper imported rice.
Under Executive Order No. 93, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., rice imports were suspended for 60 days starting September 2025.
The ban was later extended until the end of the year through Executive Order No. 102.
“Our local rice has long been competing with imported rice. Without the import suspension, farmers would have been at a serious disadvantage,” Limpangog said.
The policy aims to shield Filipino farmers from low-priced imports and manage surplus supply amid a strong local harvest.
According to Limpangog, rice farmers in Negros Occidental have welcomed the measure, citing its positive impact on both farmgate prices and overall farm income./CJ, WDJ