NSA Año backs DA's push for rice price emergency declaration

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año on Tuesday expressed support for the Department of Agriculture's (DA) initiatives calling for the declaration of a food security emergency to help reduce rice prices in the country.

Año emphasized that food security is a national security interest and a major component of the Marcos administration's 15-point National Security Agenda as outlined in the 2023 National Security Policy.

Despite sufficient supply, rice prices remain artificially high due to declining global costs and tariff reductions ordered by President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.

Under Republic Act No. 12708, the DA chief is empowered to declare a food security emergency if there is an extraordinary increase in the price of rice or if there is a shortage.

Año warned against profiteering, politicizing the issue for partisan gain, and engaging in other malicious activities during this emergency.

The Department of Agriculture is expected to declare a food security emergency on rice on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, following approval by the National Price Coordinating Council.