The Philippines posted higher rice and corn inventories compared to last year, signaling improved supply buffers, although stock levels declined from the previous month, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Rice stocks as of 1 March reached 1.88 million metric tons, up 16.5 percent from 1.61 million metric tons a year earlier. The increase was driven by gains across all sectors, with stocks in National Food Authority (NFA) depositories rising by 34.9 percent, households by 15.9 percent, and the commercial sector by 6.9 percent.

Despite the annual growth, rice inventories fell 11.1 percent from February’s 2.11 million metric tons. The decline was largely due to a sharp drop in commercial holdings, which slipped by 28.7 percent, alongside a 4.1 percent reduction in NFA stocks. Household stocks slightly increased by 1.0 percent during the period.

Households continued to hold the largest share of rice stocks at 48.4 percent, followed by the commercial sector at 30.1 percent and NFA depositories at 21.5 percent.

Corn stocks also showed a similar pattern. Total inventory reached 465,860 metric tons, marking a 26.4 percent increase from 368,510 metric tons in March 2025. Gains were supported by higher stocks from both households, which rose by 31.0 percent, and the commercial sector, which grew by 25.6 percent.

On a monthly basis, however, corn inventories dropped 18.7 percent from February’s 573,040 metric tons. The commercial sector posted a 20.5 percent decline, while household stocks fell by 6.9 percent.

The bulk of corn stocks remained concentrated in the commercial sector, accounting for 85.1 percent of the total, with households holding the remaining 14.9 percent.

While stock levels suggest adequate supply, authorities warn that this may not immediately translate to stable prices. Rising global fuel costs continue to push up transport and logistics expenses, adding pressure to food prices across the supply chain.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) estimates farmgate and retail prices could increase by around P2 to P5 per kilogram for several commodities, despite improved inventories.

For now, the DA is banking on a mix of diversified sourcing and alternative technologies to cushion farmers from further cost spikes.

“We have many strategies,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., expressing confidence that proactive measures will keep supplies stable and prevent sharper increases in food prices.