Ensuring Food Security: Philippines to Maintain Adequate Rice Supply Through Imports

The Philippines is set to maintain a stable rice supply until the next harvest season in March 2024, thanks to substantial rice imports. The Department of Agriculture (DA) confirmed that nearly half-a-million metric tons of rice, imported by the private sector, are scheduled to arrive between December and early February next year. This importation is in line with an agreement overseen by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. To date, about 100,000 tons of imported rice have already reached the country, contributing to the 495,000 metric tons agreed upon by import permit holders.

This importation, combined with recent local harvests, ensures the nation’s rice needs are met. The daily national rice consumption is estimated at around 36,000 metric tons, or approximately 1.08 million tons per month. Additionally, 20,000 bags (equivalent to 1,000 metric tons) of rice, part of a 40,000-bag donation from Taiwan, were delivered before Christmas. Another significant rice arrival is anticipated from India, with 75,000 metric tons expected in the last week of December and early January​​.