He said this as the public raised concerrns over costs.
Lats Thursday, March 19, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the country’s food supply remains stable, even as rising oil prices linked to the regional conflict in the Middle East has been putting pressure across various sectors.
He said, “Definitely, there is no issue on supply. I can safely say that through June, even July, there is no issue on supply of almost everything,” adding that there is enough inventory and the ongoing harvest season.
At present, the National Food Authority (NFA) has 400,000 metric tons of buffer stock of rice, which is enough to feed the entire country for 10 days, with the peak harvest season and incoming imports seen to further add to the availabile supply.
Meanwhile, given the pressure caused by the skyrocketing prices of oil products, the Department of Agriculture has strengthened its monitoring activity concerning the price of rice, and is also studying possible price caps on imported rice.
The department has also directed the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) and Planters Products Inc. (PPI) to offer more affordable alternatives to consumers.
“In general, prices should be stable although there might be some slight increases due to higher freight and transport cost,” he said.
As regards to the supply conditions across other food categories, Tiu Laurel said that these remain broadly favorable. “Supply of vegetables is also sufficient since this is the harvest and planting period,” he said.
The DA chief added that cold storage facilities are stocked with imported pork while the local swine population continues to increase. Corn, sugar, and onions that are in season also contribute to overall supply buffers.
Regarding Benteng Bigas Meron Na, also known as the P20 rice program, that is offered to target beneficiaries, Asec. Genevieve Guevarra asserted that it will continue through June 2028 or the end of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s six-year term.
“It is also President Marcos’ directive to ensure rice sold under this program are good quality grains bought from local producers,” she said.
The broader outlook, as per the DA, “suggests that while global oil volatility could push logistics costs higher, the Philippines’ current alignment of harvest cycles and inventory levels is helping cushion the impact.”
“For now, supply remains steady, with the government focused on ensuring availability while limiting price pressures,” it added.