By Orlan Jabagat

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY (PIA) — Rice retailers in Puerto Princesa City have complied with the government’s P50 per kilogram price ceiling on imported premium rice, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA) MIMAROPA following a recent market inspection.

The inspection, conducted at the city’s Old and New Public Markets, found that vendors were adhering to the price cap imposed under Executive Order No. 118, which sets a maximum retail price of P50 per kilogram for imported premium rice with 5 percent broken grains.

The order, which took effect on May 13, aims to keep rice affordable for consumers amid concerns over rising food prices. The price ceiling is scheduled to remain in effect for 30 days unless extended or modified by the national government.

Aside from monitoring rice prices, inspection teams also checked whether vendors were displaying proper price tags and product information in accordance with guidelines issued by the DA and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Officials said no violations were recorded during the inspection, resulting in a 100% compliance rate among retailers visited by the team.

While imported rice remains subject to the price cap, some retailers have chosen to focus on selling locally produced rice as a way of supporting Palawan’s farming sector.

“Hindi ako nagbebenta ng imported rice dahil gusto kong suportahan ang ating lokal na mga magsasaka. Kasi nakikita ko ‘yung sakripisyo nila sa kanilang hanapbuhay,” a representative of Jandel Grains Trading said.

Government agencies also used the inspection to remind vendors of penalties for violating the Price Act, which include fines, business closure, license revocation, and imprisonment depending on the severity of the offense.

The monitoring activity was conducted by DA-MIMAROPA in coordination with the National Food Authority (NFA), DTI, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), and the Puerto Princesa City Public Market Office.

Authorities said inspections will continue to ensure compliance with the rice price ceiling and help maintain a stable and affordable rice supply for consumers.

The temporary price ceiling of P50 per kilo on imported rice is based on Executive Order No. 118 issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to  protect consumers from rising costs, curb profiteering, and ensure the availability of affordable rice during a period of rising food costs. It is part of the administration’s broader food security program. (Nicole Angelo Celis/OCJ/JBG/PIA MIMAROPA-Palawan/Photo from DA-RFO-MIMAROPA)

Published Date: June 16, 2026