By Stephanie Sevillano

MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday assured there will be no “over-importing” of rice despite the country’s widening trade engagements.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. made the assurance after the Philippines opened its doors to rice imports from Pakistan following a high-level meeting.

In a statement, Tiu Laurel said the country’s importation will be “calibrated” based on the local supply gaps.

“The Philippines welcomes Pakistani rice, but we will limit imports strictly to what the country needs. We will not over-import; food security comes first,” he said.

He reiterated that self-sufficiency remains a priority through local production support, actions to address weather disruptions, rising demand, and structural challenges in palay (unhusked rice) production in the Philippines.

The Pakistani government made the proposal to the DA due to its surplus rice production.

Pakistan’s request came at the time of the DA’s review on diversification of sources for imported rice to prevent “overdependence” on a single supplier.

Imported rice, however, will remain a “supplement and not a substitute” for local palay, Tiu Laurel stressed.

He said the move aims to demonstrate the government’s efforts to expand international trade and help achieve food security with its counterparts.

“This is about widening our engagement with countries that are not necessarily our near neighbors, in the spirit of world trade and cooperation,” he said.

The Pakistani government, for its part, signified interest in importing goods from the Philippines, like coconuts, seaweeds, fish, and other agricultural commodities. (PNA)

Published Date: January 29, 2026