AGRICULTURE Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has reassured the public that the nation’s food supply remains stable, despite rising global oil prices triggered by ongoing tensions in the Middle East. He stated with confidence that there are no anticipated supply issues for most food items through June and July, citing adequate inventories and ongoing harvests.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) highlighted the stability of the country’s staple grain, rice.
The National Food Authority (NFA) currently maintains a buffer stock of approximately 400,000 metric tons, sufficient to feed the entire population for 10 days.
Furthermore, we expect the ongoing peak harvest season and incoming imports to bolster rice availability. To manage prices, the DA has implemented market measures, including intensified price monitoring, consideration of price caps on imported rice, and directives for Food Terminal Inc. and Planters Products Inc. to offer more affordable alternatives to consumers.
Reports also indicate a generally favorable supply across other food categories. Secretary Laurel noted that the supply of vegetables is sufficient, coinciding with the current harvest and planting season.
Imported pork is readily available in cold storage facilities, and the local swine population continues to grow. Additionally, corn, sugar, and onions are in season, further contributing to the overall supply buffers. While acknowledging that global developments might lead to slight price increases due to higher freight and transport costs, Laurel emphasized that prices are expected to remain generally stable.
Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the continuation of the P20 rice program for targeted beneficiaries until June 2028, with an emphasis on ensuring that the rice supplied is of good quality and sourced from local producers.
The DA’s overall assessment indicates that while global oil price volatility may increase logistics costs, the Philippines’ synchronized harvest cycles and robust inventory levels are expected to mitigate the impact. The government remains focused on ensuring food availability while actively working to manage price pressures.
