Agri-10 convenes with rice retailers in Oro for the execution of EO 39.

 

City gathered in a convergence meeting on Thursday, September 7 called by the Department of Agriculture-RFO 10 to ensure the implementation of Executive Order 39 or the imposition of mandated price ceilings on rice.

President Marcos’ issuance of EO 39 mandates a P41 per kilogram price ceiling for regular milled rice and a P45/kg price for well-milled rice in the markets effective September 5, 2023.

It mandates a coordinated effort among various agencies to ensure the strict implementation of the mandated price ceilings; intensify the fight against hoarding and illegal importation of rice; and take measures against cartels to ensure fair market competition and uphold consumer welfare and protection.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, chair of the Bantay Presyo Task Force together with other concerned national line agencies monitor the implementation of the said order.

In coordination with the City Price Coordinating Council of Cagayan de Oro City, the meeting aims to determine the situation in the major markets of the city and educate the retailers in determining the physical characteristics of milled rice.

Larry E. Paraluman, chief of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division of DA-10 emphasized that the convergence initiative of the agencies in Region 10, comprising of DA, LPCC of CdeO, DTI, NFA, DSWD, PSA, DILG, DA BPI-PQS, Oro Chamber, DOLE and PNP is to determine the issues and concerns of the retailers.

“This meeting facilitates in-depth discussion, which will serve as the groundwork for the Regional Bantay Presyo Task Force to consolidate findings and provide recommendations to the President regarding the execution of EO 39,” Paraluman added.

Atty. Edgardo Uy, chair of CPCC stressed that one of the primary objectives of the meeting is to disseminate information on the Price Act which will enable the CPCC to proactively recommend potential problem-solving measures to implementing agencies, including the provision of technical training on rice classification.

Assistance programs from DSWD and DOLE to affected rice retailers were discussed but still awaiting the implementing guidelines.

Meanwhile, the DTI has started profiling rice retailers who will be possibly affected by the mandated price ceiling.

Franklin Dagkuta, president of Cogon Market Rice Retailers expressed its support with hopes of receiving the government’s assistance.

The Bantay Presyo Task Force has agreed to meet on September 11 for updates on the monitoring conducted. #(ATC)