The government's recent decision to ban rice importation is drawing varied perspectives from different groups and local farmers across the country.
In a live interview on DZRH Stories: Pinoy Documentaries, Danilo Fausto, President of the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (PCAFI), shared his thoughts on the government's decision to suspend rice imports for 60 days.
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Fausto emphasized that while consumers may not feel a significant impact, local farmers will be substantially affected.
“Sa consumer, ang tingin ko wala masyadong problema, hindi maaapektuhan. Ang malaking problema ang farmer, ang producer. Nakatuon kasi tayo sa mga consumer hindi natin alam na walang ico-consume ang mga consumer kung hindi magpo-produce ang farmer,” he said in dismay.
He also noted that the import ban could positively influence the pricing of palay (unhusked rice) on farms, while he also criticized the government for not considering the timing of the ban, especially as it coincides with the farmers' harvest season, which could disrupt supply.
“Iyang import ban makatutulong iyan na mapataas kaunti ang presyo ng palay sa bukid. Ang problema lang sa tingin ko dapat ginawa iyan 2 or 3 months before kasi nag harvest na ang mga taga Pampanga, Bulacan.” he said.
The rice importation ban is set to begin on September 1, 2025, as ordered by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
