DA-NorMin enforces PhP49 MSRP for imported rice

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Following the issuance of the DA Administrative Circular No. 5, series of 2025, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao Regional Field Office 10 (DA-NorMin) enforced the nationwide implementation of PhP49 Maximum Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for imported rice (5% broken).

To impose the circular, the DA-NorMin has released an advisory to the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) of the different municipalities, cities, and provinces in Northern Mindanao for the implementation of the PhP49 MSRP for imported rice (5% broken) in public and private markets (palengkes) in the region effective March 10.

Prior to the MSRP implementation, the DA-NorMin through its Bantay Presyo Monitoring Team (BPMT) has mobilized stakeholders’ consultation with rice retailers, wholesalers and importers, local government units, the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) and the DA-attached agencies in the region.

The proposed PhP49 MSRP was decided on account of the rice price trend, cost structure and impact on the rice stakeholder.

It can be recalled that the MSRP for imported rice was first imposed by the DA in January this year to stabilize an extraordinary hike in rice prices in the National Capital Region.

As provided under DA Administrative Order No. 07, s. 2015 – the rules and regulations implementing RA No. 7581 (Price Act) in relation to agricultural commodity, the DA secretary may issue “Suggested Retail Price” upon recommendation of the Bantay Presyo Technical Committee or the Regional Executive Directors on a national, regional or per province basis.

Owners of establishments selling imported rice (5% broken) exceeding the imposed MSRP may be sanctioned for profiteering under the Price Act.

The DA-NorMin BPMT in coordination with the LGUs’ LPCC is beefing up its monitoring of the rice prices in local markets to ensure compliance to fair and legal rice trading landscape across the region.# (ATT/Photo Credits: EJLG/DA-10 BPMT)