DA, DEPDev, DTI assess rice import ban impact on supply, prices

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

ENOUGH SUPPLY. Workers unload sacks of imported rice for retailers in Tondo, Manila on Sept. 29, 2025. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Oct. 30, 2025 signed Executive Order 102 directing concerned agencies to review the possible impact of the extended rice import ban on the supply and prices of the country’s staple. (Photo: PNA/Facebook)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed concerned agencies to review the possible impact of the extended rice import ban on the supply and prices of the country’s staple.

The Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) were directed to convene within 30 days from the effectivity of Executive Order (EO) 102 signed by Marcos on Oct. 30, to evaluate the effects of the suspension of rice importation.

EO 102 also orders the DA, DEPDev and DTI to submit a joint recommendation to the President, through the Executive Secretary, within 15 days after the assessment.

Marcos signed EO 102, extending the suspension of the importation of regular milled and well-milled rice until Dec. 31, 2025.

The order does not cover specialty rice varieties not commonly produced by local farmers.

“The period of importation of regular milled and well-milled rice may be shortened or extended, as may be necessary, upon the joint recommendation of the DA, DEPDev, and DTI,” according to EO 102.

Marcos extended the rice import ban until the end of 2025 upon the recommendation of the three agencies to provide continued protection to local farmers against downward price pressures from imported rice, sustain market stability and safeguard consumer welfare.

The suspension order, which aims to help local farmers sell their palay (unhusked rice) at a fair and reasonable price and stabilize prices and supply, was supposed to lapse on Oct. 31.

EO 102, which was made public on Tuesday, takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.