Marcos Administration Targets Rice Self-Sufficiency by End of Term, Speaker Romualdez Announces

House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez announced on Sunday that the Marcos administration is aiming to achieve rice self-sufficiency by the end of its term in 2028. This goal comes several months after the Department of Agriculture (DA) expressed its aim to reach 90% rice self-sufficiency.

Romualdez, a cousin of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., emphasized the collaborative efforts between the DA and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to enhance agricultural productivity. “We are converging all of these so the funds are used efficiently. Previously, the DA had its programs, the NIA had its programs, and it seemed like there were no discussions between them. We are now talking, so we feel this will lead us to rice self-sufficiency,” Romualdez stated.

When asked if the goal is to eliminate rice imports by 2028, Romualdez affirmed, “That is the aspiration.”

In March, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa mentioned that the department was not aiming for 100% rice self-sufficiency immediately but targeted over 90% by the end of the Marcos administration. However, Romualdez highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance food security, particularly rice, through initiatives like Comprehensive Irrigation Systems by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“Food security is national security,” Romualdez noted. “Firstly, we want to bring down the price of rice to what all Filipinos can afford because the President does not want any Filipino to have difficulty or go hungry.”

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed the country’s rice self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) was 77% in 2022, a decrease from 81.5% in 2021, marking the lowest ratio in 24 years.

Under Executive Order 62 issued last month, Marcos reduced tariff rates for rice to 15% until 2028 from the previous 35%. Recent monitoring by the DA shows rice prices in Metro Manila range from P47.00 to P65.00 per kilogram for imported commercial rice, and from P45.00 to P65.00 per kilogram for local commercial rice as of July 4, 2024.