Telling the public that government measures are keeping rice supply stable despite rising global oil prices and farm input costs.
In a statement on Tuesday, April 14, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. was optimistic on the country’s food security outlook and firmly pushed back against claims raised in recent hearings that imported rice is being used in the P20-per-kilo rice program.
“Totally not true,” he said, as he emphasized that the initiative uses only rice purchased by the National Food Authority (NFA) from local farmers.
However, he did not discount that in the future, if domestic rice production contracts sharply, imported rice maybe used to support the P20 program.
While acknowledging the pressures brought by higher fuel and fertilizer prices, Tiu Laurel said that these remain manageable given the actions taken by the government.
The DA chief noted that projections of a 20 percent decline in palay production represent “worst-case scenarios,” particularly if no interventions are made. But with government action already underway, such outcomes are far from being inevitable, he told.
Instead, current indicators point to a supply position that is described as “comfortable,” especially with the Philippines continuing to benefit from strong global rice availability as major exporters, such as India and Vietnam, enter peak harvest season.
Locally, NFA warehouses are nearly full, backed by a solid domestic harvest. “If ever there will be a problem, it’s not going to be this year,” the secretary said, indicating that 2026 supply remains secure.
The Department of Agriculture has also moved quickly to cushion the impact of rising costs, noting that within days of escalating tensions in the Middle East that drove oil prices higher, the agency rolled out a PHP10-billion assistance package for farmers and fisherfolk, alongside fuel subsidies and targeted interventions.
Rice was also prioritized, followed by other key commodities, reflecting a focused and phased response strategy.
Tiu Laurel said the government is ready to scale up support if needed, noting that estimates point to an additional PHP2,0 billion for farm inputs and PHP10 billion for fisherfolk assistance to further strengthen production and livelihoods.
“These proposed measures aim not only to offset cost pressures but also to sustain output levels,” noted the department.
The agriculture chief also highlighted the availability of alternatives to expensive inputs, such as biofertilizers and other non-fossil-based options, which could help farmers maintain yields while lowering costs.
Moreover, he said that the government is ready to keep markets stable through calibrated importation when necessary, ensuring ample supply without undermining local producers.
Tiu Laurel also said that while challenges persist, the factors of early action, strong inventory levels, and flexible policy tools are helping “position the country to maintain food security and protect both farmers and consumers in the months ahead.“