Cagayan de Oro City — In order to enforce the implementation of the suggested retail price (SRP) of imported rice sold in the market, the Cagayan de Oro City Price Coordinating Council (CDO CPCC) on Wednesday recommended the reactivation of the Bantay Price Task Force of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Northern Mindanao.

The CPCC, headed by Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy proposed the reactivation of the task force following reports that many rice retailers, particularly in Cogon Market, were not adhering to the agreed SRP of imported rice, which should be sold at a lower price.

With tariffs on imported rice reduced, rice importers are now compelled to sell their stock to retailers at lower prices.

In December 2024, representatives from the DA and CPCC met with rice retailers in Cogon Market, who initially agreed to sell imported rice at a cheaper price. However, executive agencies expressed disappointment over the failure of many retailers to implement the agreed prices.

Attended by rice importers, members of the city’s Local Price Coordinating Council, and representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry-10, the activity centered on key discussions on the importers’ participation in the Kadiwa Rice-for-All program of the DA-10.

The RBPMT was initially established by the DA in 2018 under Special Order No. 271, to monitor the prices and supply of agricultural commodities across the supply chain, from farms to public and private markets.

The Department of Agriculture plans to continue discussions on price monitoring initiatives to ensure effective implementation across the region.