DA: Food supply stable amid oil price hikes

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Saturday assured the public that the country’s food supply remains stable, amid the oil price hikes following continued tensions in the Middle East.

“Definitely, there is no issue on supply. I can safely say that through June, even July, there is no issue on supply of almost everything,” Laurel said, adding that inventories and ongoing harvests remain adequate.

The DA said rice, the country’s staple, shows supply stability, as it reported that the National Food Authority currently holds about 400,000 metric tons of buffer stock, enough to feed all Filipinos for 10 days.

Further, peak harvest season and incoming imports further boost rice’s availability, according to DA.

Market measures were increased to keep prices in check, including monitoring rice prices, studying possible caps on imported rice, and directing Food Terminal Inc. and Planters Products Inc. to offer more affordable alternatives to consumers, the DA said.

The agency added that supply conditions across other food categories remain broadly favorable.

“Supply of vegetables is also sufficient since this is the harvest and planting period,” Laurel said.

Meanwhile, imported pork are stocked in cold storage facilities as the local swine population continues to increase. Corn, sugar, and onions are also in season, which contribute to overall supply buffers.

Nevertheless, Tiu said that global developments may have some impact on prices.

“In general, prices should be stable although there might be some slight increases due to higher freight and transport cost,” he said.

DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra said the P20 rice program for target beneficiaries will remain through June 2028 as directed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“It is also President Marcos’ directive to ensure rice sold under this program are good quality grains bought from local producers,” she said.

According to DA, the broader outlook conveys that while global oil volatility could push logistics costs higher, the Philippines’ current alignment of harvest cycles and inventory levels assist in cushioning the impact.

It added that supply remains steady currently, with the government focused on ensuring availability while limiting price pressures. —KG, GMA Integrated News