Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos has authorized the extension of the rice import ban through the end of the year to help stabilize farm-gate prices for palay (rice), Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel declared on Sunday.

“With the import ban having little impact on retail prices and supply of rice but a significant effect on the farm-gate price of palay, President Marcos deemed it necessary to extend the suspension for two more months,” Laurel stated.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) will officially publish the Executive Order implementing the extension on Monday.

President Marcos first halted the importation of regular and well-milled rice for two months, from September 1 to October 31, through Executive Order 93, in response to the steep drop in palay prices ahead of the wet harvest season.

Although the measure temporarily boosted price, it began to decline again as the suspension ended.

Laurel noted that harvests are still underway in several regions. He emphasized that extending the import ban—alongside initiatives like Sagip Saka and the implementation of a rice floor price—will continue to support farmers who are struggling with low farm‑gate returns.

The DA cited over‑importation, low‑quality harvests, and recent adverse weather as key factors behind the farm‑gate prices sinking to as low as Php 8 per kilo in some regions.

Although retail rice prices have remained steady, data from the DA Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) show that the average price for well‑milled rice is projected at about ₱42 per kilo and regular‑milled at around ₱40 by November. Laurel said the extension will give authorities more time to evaluate the import ban’s effects on both farmers and consumers and ensure continued protection for local rice producers from cheaper imported stocks.

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