The Department of Agriculture (DA) has reassured the public that the country’s food supply remains secure, even as fuel prices continue to climb amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said there is no immediate concern over shortages, noting that supplies of key commodities are sufficient in the coming months.
He emphasized that current inventory levels, along with ongoing harvests, are enough to meet demand at least through June and possibly into July.
Rice supply, in particular, remains stable. The National Food Authority currently holds around 400,000 metric tons of buffer stock—enough to feed the entire population for about 10 days. Additional support from peak harvest season and incoming imports is expected to further strengthen availability.
To manage prices, the DA has intensified market monitoring and is considering measures such as capping imported rice prices. It is also working with Food Terminal Inc. and Planters Products Inc. to provide more affordable food options to consumers.
Other food sectors are also showing stable supply conditions. Vegetable production remains strong due to the current harvest and planting season, while pork imports are well-stocked as the local swine industry continues to recover. Supplies of corn, sugar, and onions are likewise supported by seasonal harvests.
However, Laurel acknowledged that global developments may still influence prices. Higher fuel costs could lead to modest increases in food prices due to more expensive transportation and logistics.
Meanwhile, the government’s P20-per-kilo rice program will continue until June 2028, as directed by Ferdinand Marcos Jr., according to DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra. The program ensures that affordable rice offered to beneficiaries is sourced from local farmers and meets quality standards.
Overall, the DA said the country’s strong harvest cycles and sufficient inventory levels are helping cushion the impact of global oil price volatility, keeping food supply stable while efforts remain focused on controlling price pressures.
