This file photo taken on 22 November 2024 shows bags of rice stacked in a supermarket in central Tokyo. The Japanese government said on February 14, 2025 it will release its stockpile of rice — the nation’s cherished staple food — reserved for emergency use in response to soaring prices.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced that the price of 5% broken imported premium rice in Kadiwa stores has been lowered to P49 per kilo, effective 1 March 2025.
DA Spokesperson Arnel De Mesa confirmed the price adjustment, noting that it was reduced from the previous P58 per kilo as part of efforts to ease the burden on consumers.
"For imported 5% broken premium rice, the MSRP is now P49 per kilo, starting today," De Mesa said in a radio interview on Saturday morning.
The price reduction follows recent tariff adjustments aimed at making rice more affordable. De Mesa emphasized that the impact of these tariff changes should be reflected in retail prices.
“As for locally produced rice, we have a general idea of its pricing structure. However, our priority for now is reducing prices, especially with the tariff adjustments that were recently implemented. This price reduction is necessary,” De Mesa said.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has directed the close monitoring of rice prices, stressing the need for a unified approach to stabilize the cost of staple goods. The government has also warned against economic sabotage, vowing to take action against hoarders and smugglers who manipulate agricultural prices.
The Department of Agriculture previously declared a food security emergency on rice in February due to soaring retail prices. On 15 February, the DA had already lowered the MSRP for 5% broken rice in Metro Manila from P55 to p52 per kilo.
