DA lowers imported rice price, implements MSRP nationwide

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is further lowering the price of imported rice and expanding its maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) to all varieties as part of its 'Rice-for-All' initiative.

Starting Friday, January 17, the price of 25% broken rice sold at Kadiwa stores will be reduced from P40 per kilogram to P38 per kilogram ahead of the MSRP enforcement for 6% broken imported rice set to begin on Monday, January 20.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced that the initial PHP58/kg MSRP may drop to as low as PHP50/kg in March depending on world rice prices and will be subject to regular review starting February.

The DA is also evaluating the current 15% rice tariff policy mandated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s Executive Order (EO) 62 to mitigate rice costs, with plans to extend the program nationwide and impose stricter penalties for violations if prices exceed the suggested retail price (SRP).

Starting February, rice labels in retail stores will indicate country of origin or province for local; as well as type, percent broken, and names of importer or miller.