ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Rice supply in the Philippines remains stable despite the onslaught of typhoon Tino, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said Tuesday.

Typhoon Tino lashed central Philippines on Monday with vicious winds and heavy rains, forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes.

Laurel said that farmers had already harvested “almost 80 percent” of planted rice and that there was no issue with the supply of the staple. 

“Lahat ng NFA (National Food Authority) warehouses natin ay full, the rice mills are full, so as far as food security is concerned, or rice security walang issue ngayon,” he told ANC.

He added that the Philippines has a 90-day stockpile of rice.

Laurel confirmed that the country is still not importing rice, but said the government might start doing so by January 2026.

This is because imported rice stocks could be “depleted” by November 15, and by that time “we’ll be using rice stocks from the local industry,” he said.

“We’re preparing for the next harvest season coming February hanggang May. Hopefully by that time medyo mas masaya na ‘yung farmers natin, and we’re doing all our best to make sure that they get a fair price for their hard work,” the agriculture chief said.

Published Date: November 4, 2025