Amid fuel hikes, calamities, and food security concerns, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Thursday welcomed the government’s continued rice import ban and the impending increase in rice tariffs as timely lifelines for Filipino farmers, fishers, and consumers.

"These measures are timely lifelines for Filipino farmers, fisherfolk, and consumers amid surging fuel costs and successive calamities affecting quake- and typhoon-affected provinces. They reflect a decisive shift toward valuing the hands that feed us," Pangilinan said in a joint press conference at the Department of Agrarian Reform.

He also welcomed the issuance of Executive Orders 100 and 101, stressing that the twin EOs "present steps that protect our local producers and consumers."

Executive Order 100, series of 2025, mandates the Department of Agriculture to set a floor price for palay purchases, factoring in production costs, prevailing market prices, and a reasonable margin for farmers.

It introduces a trigger mechanism that ensures government intervention when market prices fall below sustainable levels.

Meanwhile, Executive Order 101, series of 2025, directs the full implementation of the Sagip Saka Act, which enables national and local government agencies to directly procure produce from farmers and fisherfolk without public bidding—a key mechanism to stabilize farmgate prices and improve market access.

"These two EOs go hand in hand. EO 100 protects farmers from predatory pricing, while EO 101 ensures that government becomes the farmers’ biggest and most reliable buyer," Pangilinan explained.

Both directives form part of the government’s broader agricultural recovery roadmap, aimed at revitalizing rural livelihoods, stabilizing food prices, and rebuilding confidence in local production.

Pangilinan said that the policies, if properly implemented, can cushion farmers from external shocks and strengthen domestic supply.

"When we buy our own products, we feed ourselves. These reforms, along with tariff adjustments and import controls will help us move towards true food security," he continued.

"This means that farmers and fisherfolk earn enough and there is enough food on the table for every Filipino family," he added.