The Department of Agriculture Central Visayas (DA7), through its Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Division-Agribusiness Industry Support Section (AMAD-AISS) conducted yesterday, March 25, 2025, a consultative workshop with the rice industry stakeholders held at a venue in Madnaue City.
With the presence of the rice stakeholders, which include the include the National Food Authority (NFA), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), Talisay City, Mandaue City, Tabunok and Carbon (Cebu City) Market Administrations, and rice retailers and traders, the meeting discussed among others the Maximum Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of imported premium rice.
The consultation was aimed to gather data, suggestion and reaction from the players of the rice industry in Region 7. DA7 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Engr. Cirilo N. Namoc, in his message, emphasized that a consultation with the rice players are very crucial and important, as he says “so that when we meet people, farmers and others, we can share to them common idea and knowledge about this topics (MSRP).”
Anna Delza Barimbao, the chief of AMAD- AISS, gave an overview of the MSRP implementation, the monitored global rice prices, and the current pricing of imported premium rice in Region 7.
On legal aspects, Rommel Bascar, the chief of DA7’s Legal Unit discussed on Republic Act (RA) No. 12022, the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act which classifies agricultural smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and engaging in a cartel as economic sabotage, to protect farmers and fisherfolk from unscrupulous traders and importers and ensure reasonable and affordable prices of agricultural and fishery (A&F) products for consumers.
In addition to the discussion, John Rick Delgado, the Market Specialist I of AMAD-AISS, presented the cost structuring of imported rice (5% broken), as set by the DA-Central Office AMAS at ₱49.00/kilogram, while Odessa Mercado, the RSQAO of NFA provided guidance to rice retailers and traders on proper price tagging and labeling, as required by the NFA office. The consultation provided an avenue to share suggestions, raised concerns, and received clarifications.