Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte conducted on February 12 a joint market inspection at the Commonwealth Market. The officials observed reductions in rice and vegetable prices, marking the implementation of reduced rice prices under the KADIWA ng Pangulo Rice-for-All (RFA) program.
“Today’s observation is positive. We saw rice prices following the Maximum Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) guidelines, with prices now at P55, P54, P45, P42, and even P40. This is a good sign. For tomatoes, one stall is offering them at P30, with the highest price being P50,” Secretary Tiu Laurel said.
The DA had previously announced that the MSRP for imported rice would be further reduced from P55 to P52 per kilo, starting February 15.
Secretary Tiu Laurel also shared that rice at the KADIWA ng Pangulo kiosk will be available at varying price levels: RFA5 at P43, RFA25 at P35, and RFA100 at P33 per kilo.
Additionally, the DA will officially discuss with the Quezon City local government unit (LGU) the purchase of rice from the National Food Authority (NFA).
“In our initial town hall meeting with the LGU, we agreed that the NFA rice could be directly supplied to our rice sellers. The NFA will explain this to the rice vendors, making it more efficient,” Mayor Belmonte explained.
During the inspection, Secretary Tiu Laurel noted that while chicken prices are beginning to drop, pork prices remain high. The DA is investigating this issue, with findings to be presented later that day. He mentioned that the MSRP for pork could be implemented by March.
“I’ve received initial reports indicating that the problem lies in the retail sector. However, during my conversation with a vendor here at Commonwealth Market, she said the issue is with the agents, middlemen, farmgate prices, and slaughterhouses,” Secretary Tiu Laurel said.
He emphasized that the DA is carefully analyzing the situation to ensure fair decisions for all sectors of the pork industry.
On the other hand, although onion prices have slightly increased, Secretary Tiu Laurel assured the public that the DA has implemented a strategic importation plan to address the situation.
“We urge our farmers and traders that, during this harvest season, the early harvest of onions should be sent directly to the market and not stored. Storing them can prevent prices from dropping. Once the harvest is abundant, it’s better to store them,” Secretary Tiu Laurel added.
Meanwhile, DTI expressed strong support for the DA’s programs and initiatives.
“DTI will closely monitor the prices set by the DA for rice to ensure compliance, as we have regional and provincial directors in all 18 regions across the country. This is part of our efforts to enforce price regulations for other products as well,” said DTI Secretary Roque.
She also emphasized that the DTI is strictly following the DA’s pricing directives to ensure consistent enforcement of price regulations nationwide.
The officials also visited the Bureau of Plant Industry’s Food Safety Mobile Lab, which travels to various markets both within and outside Metro Manila to provide essential government services related to food safety, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for consumers and stakeholders. ### (Kristel Joyce Merle, DA-AFID)
