The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Mimaropa assures the public that the region has a sufficient supply of rice despite the recent skyrocketing prices of the commodity.
In the PSA Press Conference on September 11, Maya Masangkay of NEDA Mimaropa explained that the effects of El Niño, the increase in prices of rice in the world market, along with hoarding cases in the country may cause further movement in the prices of rice in the country.
“Inaasahan natin na magkakaroon ng pagbawas sa produksyon ng bigas dahil sa El Niño, at ang pinatutupad na export ban ng malalaking exporter ng bigas gaya ng India. Ito po ang magdudulot ng pagtaas ng presyo ng bigas sa pandaigdigang merkado. Bukod dito, ang mga insidente ng pagho-hoard, at mga anti-competitive na gawain ay maaaring mag-ambag ng presyo ng bigas sa ating bansa,” she said.
On this note, Masangkay guaranteed that the region has enough supply of rice to sustain the region’s needs, “Sakaling lahat ng surplus ng bigas ay ibebenta sa loob ng rehiyon, sapat po ang ating imbentaryo para pakainin ang buong populasyon sa loob ng siyam (9) na buwan o tatlong quarter.”
Further, Masangkay highlighted that the government continues to employ a whole-of-government approach in implementing programs and policies to protect the public from the possible effects of calamities, and the economic changes inside and outside the country.
“Gabay po ang ating [Philippine Development Plan] at ang MIMAROPA Regional Development Plan (RDP), atin pong inilatag ang mga strategy upang mapahusay sa produktibidad at mapabuti ang ating mga sector, lalo na ang sector ng agrikultura. Sa MIMAROPA RDP, atin pong binigyang-diin ang pagsusulong ng critical infrastructure project na bahagi ng MIMAROPA connectivity framework upang pag-ugnayin ang mga lugar sa loob at labas ng bansa na magiging daan upang mapaunlad ang agrikultura, turismo, at kalakalan,” she added.
One of the actions the government undertook to the upward pressures on the price of rice is imposing a mandatory price ceiling for the commodity through Executive Order No. 39.
According to Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, the issuance of the executive order is a “necessary albeit temporary measure to help vulnerable and disadvantaged sectors amidst high prices of rice.”
Under the EO 39, the regular milled rice will be capped at P41 per kilo while the price ceiling for well-milled rice is P45 per kilo. 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. (DSG/PIA MIMAROPA – Occidental Mindoro)
