By Stephanie Sevillano

MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday said the government’s price cap on 5-percent broken imported rice has contributed to lower retail prices and helped ease inflation in the country.

The DA made the statement after the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that headline inflation slowed to 6.4 percent in June, down from 6.8 percent in May.

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the continued slowdown in food inflation provides relief to Filipinos, particularly those from vulnerable sectors.

“The latest inflation numbers show that keeping food affordable delivers real benefits to Filipino families, especially those who spend a large portion of their income on basic necessities,” he said.

In particular, food inflation slowed to 5.4 percent from 5.8 percent, with softer price adjustments in rice and fish, as well as a steeper drop in retail prices of meat.

Rice inflation eased to 15.0 percent from 15.6 percent, while fish inflation slowed to 7.8 percent from 8.8 percent.

Tiu Laurel then stressed the need to extend the price cap on imported rice to further aid Filipino consumers.

“We must continue ensuring adequate supply, efficient distribution, and reasonable prices, particularly for rice, so inflation remains manageable while consumers and farmers alike are protected,” he said.

The DA chief earlier disclosed the agency’s proposal for the price cap’s 60-day extension before the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC).

In May, the government imposed a PHP50 per kilogram price ceiling for 5 percent broken imported rice, which helped drive down retail rice costs.

Besides these, the DA has also secured commitments from stakeholders and importers to minimize or temporarily halt the entry of 5 percent broken imported rice to give a “fighting chance” for local rice, starting in July. (PNA)

Published Date: July 7, 2026