By Kenneth Marcos 
Farmers in Nueva Ecija smiled with relief as they harvested their palay under the warm November sun, hoping for better prices after months of struggle. Their optimism grew after the Department of Agriculture (DA) recommended to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. the extension of the temporary rice import ban until the end of the year.
According to the DA, extending the ban aims to stabilize farmgate prices of palay, which have fallen in recent months due to the influx of cheaper imported rice. The agency said the move would protect local farmers during the peak of the harvest season and help maintain a fair income for those who rely on rice farming.
The temporary suspension on rice imports was first implemented earlier this year as part of the government’s effort to balance supply and demand while ensuring that farmers’ produce is bought at reasonable prices. The DA said that allowing too many rice imports too soon could drive down local prices, leaving farmers unable to recover production costs.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that palay prices in some provinces have dropped by as much as 10% since midyear. Many farmers complained that private traders prefer imported rice because it is cheaper, making it difficult for local producers to sell their harvests.
Agriculture officials explained that the proposed extension would give the government time to buy more palay under the National Food Authority’s procurement program, build up national rice reserves, and prepare for potential supply gaps caused by weather disturbances or global market fluctuations.
Meanwhile, some business groups have expressed concern that prolonging the import ban might push retail rice prices higher in the coming months, especially in urban areas where demand remains strong. The DA assured the public that the government is closely monitoring supply levels and that interventions are in place to keep rice affordable for consumers.
President Marcos Jr., who also serves as the Agriculture Secretary, is expected to review the DA’s recommendation in the coming days. The final decision will take into account both the welfare of Filipino farmers and the purchasing power of consumers.
The DA emphasized that its priority remains to achieve a stable and self-sufficient rice industry under the “Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas” program, promoting fair trade for farmers while ensuring food security for every Filipino family.
As the harvest season continues, local farmers hope the policy will help sustain the value of their crops and encourage more youth to stay in agriculture — a sector long regarded as the backbone of the nation’s food supply.
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