By GMA Integrated News

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday implemented the P45 per kilo maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice.

According to Darlene Cay’s “24 Oras” report, the DA said the new MSRP will be retained for the next two months, which was lowered from its previous P49 price per kilo.

However, some rice retailers at the Mega Q Market in Quezon City said they will be able to follow the new MSRP next week when the next delivery arrives.

The DA also said it will recommend imposing higher rice tariffs to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Meanwhile, pork prices range around P400 per kilo in Metro Manila based on DA’s monitoring.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. expressed disappointment since only 30% of retailers were able to follow the pork MSRP despite it being implemented about a month ago.

“I’m disappointed dahil may usapan. Dapat sundin ang usapan (I’m disappointed because there’s an agreement that should be followed),” Laurel said.

He added that there is no reason not to follow the MSRP.

The DA also said liempo, for example, has a farmgate price of P230 per kilo, so there is a possibility that someone is taking advantage of the cost.

The agency also said it would file charges against those found selling overpriced pork if needed or ask the House Quinta Committee for an investigation.

“And that is already bordering on profiteering,” Laurel said.

In Mega Q Market, pork retailers were able to follow the MSRP, but some said they were burdened with debt.

“Kailangan namin ng ayuda ng DA dahil lubog na lubog na kami sa utang (We need aid from the DA since we’re burdened with debt,” pork retailer Elizabeth Espino said.

Pork retailers said they earned about P1,000 for each pig, but with the rental, employee wages, and other expenses, their income is not enough.  

Farmers group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) agreed that there is a possibility that someone is taking advantage of the cost since there is enough pork supply.

“Yung iba kasi, yung sinasabi nila yung mga producers daw may mataas pang pagkuha,” SINAG president Rodendo So said.

(Some said the producers told them that they got the pork at a high price.)

Aside from pork, DA also found the P150 per kilo price of garlic costly, so the agency is studying if it will impose an MSRP on imported garlic. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News

Tags: rice price, Department of Agriculture, Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr, pork price, Garlic prices

Published Date: April 1, 2025