Two days before the suspension of imported rice, some local rice varieties saw small price increases, but buyers in Dagupan City say they hardly feel the change.

For Bernadette Apostol, rice is always first on her list when shopping. She prefers local rice, saying it is cheaper and just as good as imported varieties.

“Mababa talaga ngayon sobra, lalo na pag senior may discount sa mga supermarket, malaking bawas po,” she said.

Retailers confirm that prices of some types of local rice increased by P30 per half sack, while imported rice went up by P80. Still, many customers continue to choose imported rice.

“Medyo tumaas yung local ng P30 sa 25 kilos po… Mas hinahanap kasi nila yung imported rice kasi, mas yun yung gusto ng mga tao,” Jackie Flores, a retailer, said.

At the Malimgas Public Market, local rice prices range from P30 to P43 per kilo, depending on the variety.

But according to the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), there is no reason for rice prices to go up in September and October 2025.

“Maski wala yung imported eh hindi naman tataas [presyo],” SINAG Chairman, Engr. Rosendo So, said.

“Marami naman (bigas) kasi anihan na so wala tayong problema sa local stocks natin,” he added.

SINAG assured that the supply of local rice is enough for the next two months.