Rice prices in Bohol, Surigao, Zamboanga remain high — Bantay Bigas

Prices of rice in the country continue to be high, especially in the provinces, as supply issues remain unaddressed, advocacy group Bantay Bigas said Monday.

In an interview on GMA News' "Balitanghali," Bantay Bigas spokesperson Cathy Estavillo said rice prices in Bohol, Surigao, and Zamboanga are particularly high.

"Sa realidad, hindi pa natutugunan at patuloy pa rin 'yung pagbabanggit sa amin na nananatiling mataas 'yung presyo ng bigas sa kanilang lugar," she said.

According to Estavillo, the cheapest available commercial rice in Bohol was reported at P54 per kilo, while in Zamboanga the prices range from P70 to P80 per kilo.

Meanwhile, the supply of government-subsidized rice remains thin as the imports have yet to be fully released to accredited retailers.

"Sabi, 'yung mga NFA rice ay ganon parin, pinipilihan at hanggang dalawang kilo lang 'yung kayang bilhin ng isang mamimili," said Estavillo.

"Meron pa nga isang kilo lang para daw mabigyan 'yung lahat ng nakapila na gustong bumili ng murang bigas," she explained.

The Philippines in May ordered a supply of 250,000 MT of rice to increase the stock in the country—130,000 MT from Vietnam and 120,000 MT from Thailand.

It also announced an additional importation of 250,000 MT of rice from private firms.

The National Food Authority (NFA) said, however, that shipments have yet to be fully released to retailers due to inclement weather conditions. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA News