DA Lowers ‘Rice-for-All’ Prices, Cuts MSRP for Imported Rice

MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) is reducing prices under its KADIWA ng Pangulo’s Rice-for-All (RFA) initiative, along with the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice, in an effort to make rice more affordable for Filipinos.

According to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., the price cuts reflect a drop in global rice prices and an increase in local supply due to the harvest season.

Starting February 12, RFA rice prices will be lowered by up to ₱3 per kilo:

• RFA5 (5% broken grains): ₱43 per kilo (from ₱45)
• RFA25 (25% broken grains): ₱35 per kilo (from ₱38)
• RFA100 (100% broken grains): ₱33 per kilo (from ₱36)

Additionally, the KADIWA program will continue offering rice at ₱29 per kilo for senior citizens, PWDs, solo parents, and indigent groups.

Lowered MSRP for Imported Rice

To stabilize the market, the MSRP for imported rice will be:

• ₱52 per kilo starting February 15 (from ₱55)
• ₱49 per kilo starting March 1

The adjustments follow President Marcos Jr.’s decision to cut rice tariffs from 35% to 15% in July 2024.

Possible Pork Price Cap

The DA is also considering setting an MSRP for pork, citing excessive retail prices of ₱400 per kilo or higher, despite farm-gate prices at ₱240–₱250 per kilo. A decision on this is expected by end of February.