President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. imposed a freeze on the price of rice in an attempt to control surging prices starting September 5. Following recommendations from the agriculture and trade departments, the price ceiling, which will remain in effect, mandates a maximum price of 41 pesos per kilo for regular milled rice and 45 pesos for well-milled rice.
In Mimaropa, consumers commended PBBM’s move to set a price ceiling on rice amidst rising costs of commodities.
According to some consumers in Odiongan Public Market, Romblon, reduced rice prices are significant particularly for the minimum wage earners.
“Malaking bagay [sa amin] kung bababa ang presyo dahil malaking katipiran lalo na sa mga minimum wage earners na kumikita lamang ng P330 kada araw,” one local said.
In an interview with PIA Oriental Mindoro, Ricky Santos of Calapan City, also supports the mandate of PBBM on rice price cap.
“Marami sa amin ay talagang natutuwa dahil sa pagbaba ng presyo ng bigas dahil karamihan sa amin ay talagang mahirap at isang kahig isang tuka lamang. Kung patuloy itong mandato na ito ng Presidente, hindi na kami mahihirapan pang mag isip ng aming ihahaing kanin sa aming mga lamesa.”
Some rice consumers also asked the local government to strictly implement President Marcos’ EO 39.
“Hiling namin sa lokal na pamahalaan na istriktong ipatupad sana ang EO 39 ni Pangulong Marcos upang maramdaman naming mga consumers ang kautusan,” a local in Odiongan said.
Meanwhile, based on the monitoring of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro Municipal Agriculturist Office (MAO), the price of regular and well-milled rice in the San Jose Market is currently at P48-P51.
MAO officer Romel Calingasan said that along with price monitoring, they continue to disseminate information related to EO 39 or the price ceiling on rice in cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). MAO also continues to coordinate with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to further understand the IRR of EO 39.
Consumers may report rice retailers and sellers who will not abide by the order of the President. Citizens may contact these agencies: DTI (889-0712); DA (02) 8927-4350; and Police Regional Office (PRO) Mimaropa (0917) 622 8038. (GATS/PIA MIMAROPA)
