MANILA — A significant tariff reduction on imported rice is poised to lower the retail price to below PHP30 per kilo, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s objectives, according to Camarines Sur 1st District Representative Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr.
According to Philippines News Agency, the implementation of Executive Order (EO) 62, which lowers the tariff rate on imported rice from 35 percent to 15 percent for both in-quota and out-quota, is a critical step toward making rice more affordable, especially for the poor and low-income consumers. "This order will initiate a significant move towards reducing the cost of this staple food as envisioned by our economic managers," he explained in a statement on Tuesday.
The lawmaker also addressed concerns from farmers' groups, urging them to reconsider their planned temporary restraining order against EO 62. Villafuerte argued that agricultural workers, who are major consumers of rice, would benefit from the lower prices. Despite this, twelve groups, including Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura, have announced plans to file a restraining order to block the EO's implementation set for July 6.
Further supporting the reduction in rice prices, Villafuerte cited proposed amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law, which would authorize the National Food Authority to either import rice or purchase local harvests. This could allow the agency to intervene in the market by offering rice at reduced prices during periods of unusually high domestic costs.
Speaker Martin Romualdez reassured farmers that the government would provide substantial subsidies to help offset the impact of reduced tariffs on local rice production. "It's crucial for our farmers to receive all possible support to help the Philippines move towards rice self-sufficiency," Romualdez stated.
Additionally, House Committee on Agriculture Chair Mark Enverga and Committee on Appropriations Chair Elizaldy Co defended the tariff reduction, noting that it would not compromise the welfare of local farmers. Enverga highlighted significant funding allocations for agricultural support, while Co detailed initiatives like contract farming by the National Irrigation Administration, expected to produce 200,000 metric tons of rice, and the introduction of solar fertigation systems anticipated to boost rice yields by 80 percent without extra costs to farmers.