Palay prices rise after import pause — win for farmers?
Margret Dianne Fermin • Ipinost noong 2026-02-23 16:56:40
MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) confirmed that palay prices have risen following the suspension of rice importation from September to December 2025, a policy aimed at protecting local farmers and stabilizing the domestic market.
Officials said the moratorium on imports allowed producers to benefit from higher farmgate prices, reversing the downward trend caused by oversupply in previous years.
Based on DA monitoring, palay prices were relatively low in September and October. Fresh palay was priced at ₱14.43 per kilo in September and dropped further to ₱13.38 in October. Dry palay was recorded at ₱17.67 per kilo in September and ₱17.21 in October. By November and December, however, prices began to climb.
On December 23, fresh palay reached ₱15.58 per kilo while dry palay rose to ₱19.89. The upward trend continued into January, with fresh palay hitting ₱18.42 per kilo and dry palay at ₱21.52 as of January 30.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. explained that the suspension of rice imports helped boost farmers’ earnings. “Nakatulong ang pagtigil ng pag-angkat para tumaas ang kita ng mga magsasaka,” he said, noting that the influx of imported rice in 2024 had depressed local prices and reduced farmers’ income.
That year, the Philippines imported 4.8 million metric tons of rice, a volume higher than what was actually needed by the country.
The DA emphasized that the government’s current strategy is to balance supply and pricing to ensure both consumer affordability and farmer profitability. Officials stressed that rice remains the staple food for most Filipinos, making it crucial to maintain stability in the sector. The agency assured that measures are being taken to prevent shortages while supporting local production.
The rise in palay prices is seen as a positive development for farmers, though authorities acknowledged the need to monitor its impact on retail rice costs. The DA reiterated its commitment to protecting the livelihood of farmers while ensuring that rice remains accessible to Filipino households.