Position Statement on the Declaration of a Rice Emergency by the Department of Agriculture

The recent declaration of a rice emergency by the Department of Agriculture (DA) underscores the severity of the challenges facing the country’s rice sector. With the alarming rise in rice prices threatening the food security of millions of Filipinos, decisive and immediate action is necessary. We recognize the government’s move to empower the National Food Authority (NFA) to release its rice stocks as a critical intervention to stabilize the market and prevent further economic strain on consumers, especially low-income households.

However, while this measure may provide temporary relief, it is imperative that structural and long-term solutions are prioritized to ensure sustainable rice production, strengthen local supply chains, and reduce dependence on imports. The current crisis highlights the vulnerabilities in our food system, exacerbated by factors such as climate change, declining domestic production, and market speculation.

We therefore call on the government to:

• Ensure Transparent and Accountable Distribution of NFA Rice Stocks – The release of NFA rice should directly benefit consumers, particularly vulnerable communities, and must not be exploited for profiteering by traders or middlemen. Clear mechanisms for monitoring and implementation must be established.

• Strengthen Support for Local Farmers – The government must increase subsidies for local rice producers, improve irrigation infrastructure, and promote sustainable agricultural practices to boost productivity and reduce production costs.

• Regulate Market Speculation and Hoarding – Strict measures should be implemented against hoarders and price manipulators who exploit supply shortages for financial gain. This includes enforcing anti-hoarding laws and ensuring fair trade practices.

• Review and Reform Importation Policies – While rice imports may serve as an immediate buffer against shortages, over-reliance on imported rice undermines national food security. Policies should prioritize self-sufficiency while balancing trade to protect both farmers and consumers.

• Invest in Climate-Resilient Agriculture – The increasing frequency of extreme weather events demands stronger climate adaptation strategies, including the promotion of climate-resilient rice varieties, enhanced disaster risk reduction programs, and support for smallholder farmers in climate-vulnerable areas.

  
  

While we support emergency measures to stabilize rice prices, we urge the government to treat this crisis as a wake-up call for deeper agricultural reforms. The right to food is fundamental, and ensuring affordable, accessible, and locally produced rice must remain a national priority. A comprehensive and people-centered approach is necessary to break the cycle of recurring rice crises and build a truly resilient food system for the Philippines.##