DA reduces rice prices under KADIWA, sets MSRP at PHP55/kg

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is reducing rice prices under its KADIWA ng Pangulo's Rice-for-All initiative, with the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for 5 percent broken imported rice now set at PHP55/kg.

According to DA Secretary Tiu Laurel, government efforts are continuing, including lower tariffs on imported rice and the declaration of a food security emergency for rice enabling the sale of NFA stocks to local government units and other entities.

Retailers in various markets have begun complying with the MSRP, with prices ranging from PHP40 to PHP55/kg. for 5 percent broken imported rice.

Local premium rice ranges between PHP46 and PHP58/kg., well-milled at PHP42 to PHP52/kg., and regular-milled at PHP38 to PHP45/kg.

More than 50 local government units have expressed interest in buying NFA rice stocks for resale, with Quezon City alone having over 3,000 sellers participating.

During a joint market inspection by the DA and DTI, lower prices were also noted for vegetables like tomatoes (PHP30-110/kg.) and meat products such as chicken (PHP130/kg.).