The Department of Agriculture (DA) has assured the public that food supply in the Philippines remains sufficient and stable despite concerns over rising oil prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said there is no expected shortage of food supply in the coming months, noting that the country maintains adequate stocks of major food items.
Rice supply, considered the staple food of Filipinos, remains stable. Based on data from the National Food Authority (NFA), the country currently holds about 400,000 metric tons of buffer stock, which is enough to feed the population for about 10 days.
Officials expect the buffer stock to increase further due to the ongoing harvest season and upcoming import deliveries.
The DA is also strengthening measures to ensure that food prices remain affordable. These include close monitoring of rice prices, studying the possibility of implementing a price cap on imported rice, and directing Food Terminal Inc. and Planters Products Inc. to sell more affordable alternatives.
Aside from rice, vegetable supply remains adequate due to active planting and harvest seasons. Imported pork stored in cold storage facilities also remains sufficient, while local production continues to recover. Corn, sugar, and onion harvests are also ongoing.
However, Tiu Laurel acknowledged that slight price increases may still occur due to higher transportation and freight costs caused by the global oil situation.
Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra said the P20 rice program for targeted beneficiaries will continue until June 2028.
The DA maintained that food supply nationwide remains stable and that government efforts will continue to manage prices and ensure sufficient food for the public.
