The ₱58 per kilo maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice takes effect on Monday, January 20.
As reported in Magandang Umaga Pilipinas, Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Arnel de Mesa assured that the agency’s personnel, accompanied by their Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) counterparts, will be roving through the markets of Metro Manila to ensure no vendor violates the maximum SRP.
Local governments have also vowed to keep tabs on the implementation of the MSRP.
De Mesa clarified, however, that the MSRP does not cover the retail prices of “malagkit” or glutinous rice, as well as black and red rice. Retailers who exceed the MSRP can be reported via the #BantayPresyo hashtag.
On Friday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. set the regulatory policy for the capital region following consultations with the DTI, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Finance (DOF), and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“This MSRP aims to strike a delicate balance between business sustainability and the welfare of consumers and farmers. We must ensure the price of rice is fair and affordable even as we make sure that the rice industry remain profitable. We cannot allow the greed of a few to jeopardize the well-being of an entire nation,” said Tiu Laurel.
The MSRP will be reviewed monthly in light of various factors, such as the global price for grain—which, if its present trajectory is maintained, would lead to a reduced MSRP, Tiu Laurel predicted.
“Based on our calculations, using data and profit margins provided by importers and retailers, imported 5 percent broken rice should not exceed ₱58 per kilo. For rice with a higher percentage of broken grains, the price should be much lower,” the Agriculture chief said.
The Food Terminals Inc., a government-owned corporation operating under the DA, has been directed to sell rice via KADIWA ng Pangulo centers and kiosks. Buyers can choose among 5 percent broken (RFA5), which costs ₱45 per kilo, 25 percent broken (RFA25), priced at ₱40 per kilo, and 100 percent broken (RFA100) or Sulit Rice, which sells for only ₱36 a kilo.
Moreover, the ₱29/kilo rice may also be availed of persons in the vulnerable sector: Persons With Disability (PWD), senior citizens, single parents, indigenous people, and indigents.
In order to free its warehouses for the incoming harvest, the National Food Authority (NFA) will resell rice stocked for 2 or more months to Metro Manila local government units (LGU) for ₱38
