The Department of Agriculture in the Negros Island Region (DA-NIR) has stepped up its market monitoring operations across Siquijor and Negros Oriental to ensure strict compliance with Executive Order No. 118, which mandates a price ceiling of P50 per kilogram for five percent broken imported premium rice.

In Siquijor, a simultaneous market inspection was conducted together with partner government agencies, assessing actual retail prices of rice in local markets and ensuring that traders and stakeholders adhere to the government-imposed price cap.

Officials also monitored supply conditions to determine market stability and consumer accessibility.

The inspection aimed to validate compliance among rice retailers and evaluate prevailing market conditions amid ongoing price regulations.

The operations were conducted in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry, National Food Authority, local government units, and market administrators, jointly assessing pricing practices and ensuring proper enforcement of the policy.

DA-NIR emphasized that the intensified monitoring is part of the government’s continuing effort to protect consumers from overpricing, stabilize rice market conditions, and strengthen food security across the region.

Authorities reiterated that violations of the price ceiling policy may be subject to appropriate sanctions under existing regulations, as government agencies continue to closely monitor rice distribution and retail practices in the Negros Island Region./CCJ, WDJ