Brix Lelis – The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines —  The Philippines faces a challenge as consumers now prefer imported rice, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said, noting that local varieties are losing ground in the domestic market.

“The problem is that the imported rice is what consumers want now, not our local rice,” Tiu Laurel revealed at the 2026 Agriculture and Food Security Summit organized by the Makati Business Club.

Following the lifting of the four-month import ban, the government has resumed rice importation, with stocks now available in some Metro Manila markets.

Imported rice, currently priced at P43 to P48 per kilo, is expected to reach other key cities beyond Luzon.

“We’re losing market share,” Tiu Laurel said, noting that the Department of Agriculture can only urge traders to limit their imports.

The Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) said the government bears significant responsibility for the growing consumer preference for imported rice.

“The government contributes to the problem by encouraging imports by lowering tariffs and not going after profiteers,” FFF national manager Raul Montemayor told The STAR.

Published Date: March 19, 2026