MANILA, Philippines – Rice has been a staple in Filipino households for decades, but fluctuating prices have made it challenging for underprivileged families to afford. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed this issue with Executive Order No. 39, imposing nationwide price ceilings on rice. 

On August 31, 2023, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed  the Executive Order No. 39. Upon the joint recommendation of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The government imposed the mandated price ceiling on rice in the whole country. President Marcos approved the ceiling price, setting regular milled rice at P41.00 per kilogram and P45.00 for well-milled rice, effective September 5, 2023. Before this, rice prices ranged from P42.00 to P55.00 for regular milled rice and P48.00 to P56.00 for local well-milled rice. The order aimed to ensure affordable rice by stabilizing prices, citing stable rice supplies from imports and local production. 

EO No. 39 benefits consumers by addressing alleged price manipulation and global factors affecting prices making rice more affordable, ensuring price stability. However, it may negatively impact local farmers due to low farmgate prices, potentially leading to decreased production and quality issues. It could also encourage black markets and smuggling. 

Balancing consumer protection with farmer support is crucial for the policy’s success, addressing public concerns and the health of the rice industry and the Philippine economy. However, the price cap on rice only lasted for about a month since it was lifted last October 4, 2023 after the recommendation of the DA and the DTI.