PhP49 MSRP for imported rice remains unchanged in NorMin

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10), through Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, shared in a media interview, that the Maximum Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for imported rice in Northern Mindanao will remain at PhP49, despite the PhP45-implementation in the National Capital Region (NCR).

On April 2, Dir. Pacamalan explained that Region 10 is not covered in the price changes per DA Administrative Circular No. 07, Series of 2025. This adjustment, he noted, is due to a stable rice supply in the international market and upcoming harvest season.

“NCR is a rice import landing point and transporting rice here [in the region] incurs additional costs. Therefore, adjustments need to be made. That is what the government is working on,” said RED Pacamalan.

He also noted that the primary focus of the agency is to assess global supply and demand, factoring in landed costs and profit margins of importers and distributors.

It can be further recalled that enforcement in the gradual reduction of rice prices began earlier this year. In January, the price of imported rice was cut from PhP58 to PhP49 (5% broken rice) , following Administrative Order No. 05, Series of 2025, which took effect on March 10.

Ensuing the PhP45 price implementation for imported rice in NCR, the agency will continue to conduct market surveys to monitor pricing trends. Likewise, the agri chief exec pointed out that retailers cannot immediately adjust prices because they must first sell off existing stock.

“It is expected that we will meet with retailers and the Department of Trade and Industry to review the price monitoring results and ensure that the suggested retail prices are being followed,” he said.

Besides rice pricing, the DA-10 official urged consumers to practice responsible food consumption, at the same time, laud farmer-producers.

“While there is an MSRP, I encourage consumers not to waste rice or food. I also want to express my gratitude to our farmers for their continuous efforts in rice cultivation. This is part of their livelihood and I hope consumers will appreciate their hard work by avoiding food waste,” RED Pacalaman conveyed.

He also enjoined consumers to consider alternative staple foods, such as sweet potatoes, cassava, and bananas, to help in the country’s bid of food security and sufficiency.

Said interview is conducted by Radyo Trumpeta 96.3 Timplado and Juander Radyo CDO.# (MAC)