Rice Inflation Drops to 5.1% in November, Lowest Since July 2023

The inflation rate for rice in the Philippines eased to 5.1% in November, marking a significant decline from 9.6% in October, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This is the lowest rate since July 2023, when it was recorded at 4.2%.

National Statistician and PSA chief Claire Dennis Mapa attributed the continued decline to base effects and the reduced tariff rates on imported rice that took effect in July.

Price Trends

Average retail prices for rice at the national level in November were as follows:

• Regular milled rice: ₱49.24 per kilo (from ₱50.22 in October)
• Well-milled rice: ₱54.64 per kilo (from ₱55.22 in October)
• Special rice: ₱63.72 per kilo (from ₱63.97 in October)

Mapa noted that rice inflation is expected to continue its downward trend in the coming months.

Government Efforts

To further mitigate high rice prices, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is launching the Kadiwa Rice-for-All program. This initiative aims to provide affordable rice options for consumers by selling rice at ₱40 per kilo at kiosks in major public markets.

The kiosks, called Kadiwa ng Pangulo, will operate from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, in key Metro Manila markets, including:

• Kamuning Market
• Malabon Central Market
• New Las Piñas City Public Market
• Pasay City Public Market
• Balintawak Market
• Cartimar Market
• Pateros Grace Marketplace
• Maypajo Public Market
• Paco Market

NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan stated that the program is designed to help stabilize food prices while providing affordable options to consumers.