DA to Introduce P42-per-Kilo Rice in Selected NCR Markets

The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced plans to roll out its P42 Rice-for-All Program in selected markets across Metro Manila. This initiative comes as a response to stagnant rice prices despite efforts to reduce tariffs on imported rice through Executive Order 62.

Currently, well-milled rice is priced between P45 and P55 per kilo in most markets. DA Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa acknowledged mixed compliance with the lower pricing directive.

Addressing Price Stagnation

“May nakita tayong tumalima, ibig sabihin, sumunod doon sa P42 hanggang P45 na presyuhan ng regular and well-milled rice pero may mga pamilihan din talaga na hindi pa rin talaga tumatalima,” said de Mesa.
(We’ve seen some adhere to the P42 to P45 price range, but there are still markets that don’t comply.)

The DA initially avoided implementing the program to avoid competing with market sellers, but slow progress in reducing rice prices prompted the change. Specific dates and market locations for the program rollout are still under discussion.

Retailers and Advocacy Groups React

Rice retailers pointed out that they are limited by high supplier costs, making compliance challenging. Advocacy groups SINAG and Bantay Bigas argued that programs like Rice-for-All and reduced tariffs are not sustainable solutions.

“Makikita natin, pipila ‘yung mga tao sa P42, and mauubos ‘yung P42 doon sa market. At the end of the day, yung makakabenefit is hindi ganoon kalaki,” said SINAG President Rosenda So.
(People will queue for the P42 rice, but it will quickly run out. The benefits won’t be significant.)

Bantay Bigas Spokesperson Cathy Estavillo added, “Tuloy-tuloy ang panawagan natin na palakasin ang ating lokal na produksyon sa pamamagitan ng subsidyo sa ating mga magsasaka.”
(We continue to call for strengthened local production through subsidies for our farmers.)

Focus on Long-Term Solutions

NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan emphasized the need for structural changes, stating, “Prices are not completely within our control. We can only intervene in the short term, but over the long haul, it’s best for the country to follow market trends.”

The government continues to consult with retailers, traders, and importers as it navigates solutions to stabilize rice prices while strengthening local production.