DA: Rice prices stable despite storm damage

The Department of Agriculture assured the public on Saturday that agricultural product prices are expected to remain stable despite the impact of tropical storms Crising, Dante, Emong, and southwest monsoon.

DA spokesperson Arnel de Mesa said during a virtual press briefing that while rice production has sustained some damage, most affected palay is still in its early planting stage and likely to recover quickly, with no anticipated retail price increase for rice due to sufficient stock levels.

As of Saturday, rice sector losses amounted to 6,703 metric tons valued at PHP212.6 million, affecting around 14,842 hectares of rice fields, while total damages across various crops and infrastructure reached P1.12 billion with a production loss volume of 26,566 metric tons.

High-value crops also suffered damages worth PHP82.63 million, impacting various vegetables and fruits, although de Mesa noted that vegetable and fish prices may increase by '10% to 15%' in Metro Manila if supply chain issues arise.

De Mesa clarified that price spikes typically occur when there are challenges in logistics or production supply, but major routes remain fully passable, ensuring the smooth movement of goods.