A farmers’ group has welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s move to suspend rice importation for 60 days starting September 1, 2025, saying it will help raise the buying price of palay and protect local farmers from losses.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) recommended the temporary suspension to shield local producers from falling prices caused by excessive imports.

From January 1 to July 10 this 2025, the Philippines imported over 2.3 million metric tons of rice. This was nearly four percent lower than what was imported during the same period in 2024.

Engr. Rosendo So, chair of the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), supported the decision.

“Itong suspension is, at least, tataas ‘yung presyo ng palay at hindi sila malulugi. Magandang direksyon ‘yung ginawa ng ating president,” So said.

In Dagupan City, some rice vendors also welcomed the move.

“Ay magandang balita po ‘yun ma’am para sa atin, para sa taong nangangailangan ng murang bigas,” Jimmy Lumilan, a vendor, said.

However, SINAG suggested that instead of a full ban, the government could increase tariffs on imported rice. This would raise the price of imported rice and make local harvest more competitive in the market.

“Inaano namin na ‘yung production cost is 60,000. ‘Yung na-yield natin na average is 4.2, kung sa P10 ang mangyayari is 42,000 lang. So, lugi ‘yung magsasaka ng 18,000. So, kailangan talaga is itaas ang taripa,” So said.

The group believes that raising tariffs would support farmers in covering their production costs and encourage them to continue planting.