MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is implementing a P58 per kilo maximum suggested retail price on imported rice startng January 20. 

In a statement, Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said this would  first be implemented in Metro Manila, then reviewed monthly to take into account several factors, including global price of the grain. 

Agri dept eyes 'maximum suggested retail price' on imported rice

Laurel said government decided on the SRP after consulting importers, retailers, government agencies, law enforcement bodies, and other rice industry stakeholders.

"Based on our calculations, using data and profit margins provided by importers and retailers, imported 5 percent broken rice should not exceed P58 per kilo," Tiu said.

"For rice with a higher percentage of broken grains, the price should be much lower," he added.

The DA said Laurel instructed Food Terminals Inc. (FTI), a government corporation under the agriculture department, to begin selling cheaper rice through KADIWA ng Pangulo centers and kiosks. 

Rice options include 5 percent broken (RFA5) at P45 per kilo, 25 percent broken (RFA25) at P40, and 100 percent broken (RFA100) "Sulit Rice" at P36 per kilo.

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Rice stored by the National Food Authority (NFA) for at least two months would be made available for resale to local government units in Metro Manila at P38 per kilo, the DA said.

Government officials decided on imposing a maximum suggested retail price on imported rice following reports that some traders could be profiteering as some rice varieties still sell for around P60 per kilo despite tariffs being reduced since July last year.

The Philippines imported 4.68 million metric tons of rice in 2024. An official said imports climbed partly due to the government's crackdown on smuggling.