By Kenneth Marcos 
In the rice fields of Nueva Ecija, farmers are finally breathing a little easier. After months of low farmgate prices, their freshly harvested palay is now being sold at a more decent price. For many, it’s the first sign of hope in a long time.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. said he plans to recommend a 15-day extension of the current rice import moratorium to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., citing the positive impact it has had on the price of locally produced rice.
Since the government temporarily stopped the importation of rice, local farmgate prices have increased. According to the Department of Agriculture (DA), this move has allowed Filipino farmers to sell their palay at more favorable rates, improving their income and encouraging more production.
“Kapag pinahaba pa kahit kaunti ang moratorium, mas makikinabang pa ang ating mga magsasaka,” Laurel said in a recent interview. He added that the improved farmgate prices are a direct result of giving local rice a chance to compete without the pressure of cheap imported supply.
The temporary import ban is part of the government’s efforts under the “Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas” program, aimed at strengthening food security and promoting local agriculture.
Earlier this year, imported rice was flooding the markets, driving down local prices and causing distress among farmers. Many complained they could not recover production costs, with some considering giving up planting altogether.
Under the temporary moratorium, the DA closely monitored supply and price movements, and the results so far have been promising. In several rice-producing provinces, traders have reported farmgate prices rising to around ₱22–₱25 per kilo, compared to just ₱17–₱19 in previous months.
Despite these gains, some experts warn that any prolonged import restrictions must be carefully managed to avoid a sudden spike in retail rice prices, especially in urban areas. The DA assured the public that there is still enough rice in the country’s inventory to meet demand during the temporary halt in imports.
Laurel emphasized that the goal is not to permanently ban rice imports but to strike a better balance between supporting local farmers and ensuring affordability for consumers. “Hindi ito laban sa importers. Ito ay para sa ating mga magsasaka at para rin sa seguridad sa pagkain ng buong bansa,” he said.
As harvest season continues in many parts of the country, farmers and agricultural workers are hopeful that the government will act in their favor. Some are calling for longer-term support, including better irrigation, access to low-interest loans, and more government procurement of local rice.
For now, the possible 15-day extension could give more breathing room for local producers to sell their harvests at fair prices—an important step in rebuilding trust in Philippine agriculture.
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