At a busy market in SOCCSKSARGEN, Philippines, two officials from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) monitor rice prices. One official in a white uniform shirt and ID badge holds a clipboard looking at it, while the other official in a white shirt stands nearby, observing a vendor in a yellow shirt. who is using an analog scale to weigh rice.

SOCCSKSARGEN, Philippines — On March 5, 2025, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) held a simultaneous price monitoring for imported rice across various public markets in the region. This region-wide initiative underscores the DTI’s commitment to its mandate of protecting consumers and maintaining fair pricing for essential commodities, particularly rice.

The DTI’s monitoring efforts are directly aligned with Executive Order No. 62, Series of 2024, which sets price ceilings for different rice categories. This action supplements the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) monitoring initiatives, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fair pricing and food security.

To further stabilize the rice market, the DA announced that the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice nationwide. The MSRP was lowered from PHP 55 to PHP 52 per kilo starting February 15, and will be further reduced to PHP 49 per kilo by March 1. This gradual adjustment is intended to prevent market disruptions while ensuring fair pricing. 

Following this declaration, the DTI Regional Office, in coordination with the Provincial Office, intensified their monitoring activities. As a result, in South Cotabato at the Koronadal City Public Market, prices ranged between PHP 47 to PHP 58 per kilogram, with retailers compliant with price guidelines and statutory requirements.

Similarly, in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, imported rice prices recorded between PHP 54 to PHP 58 per kilogram.

Furthermore, in Sarangani at the Alabel Public Market, imported rice was priced at PHP 52 per kilogram.

Two Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) officers conduct price monitoring in a public market for imported rice. One officer points at a sign displaying the price while the other takes notes on a clipboard. The market stall offers various rice types and other goods such as instant noodles and drinks.

Additionally, in Cotabato Province at the Kidapawan City and Midsayap Public Market, rice prices ranged from PHP 50 to PHP 56 per kilogram.

In parallel to the DTI’s regional efforts, the DA also conducted price monitoring exclusively in General Santos City. The monitoring activity focused on verifying price tags and checking compliance with fair trade laws. Higher prices were observed in stores that still had old stocks, while newly stocked rice was priced lower.

The DTI emphasizes that rice sellers who sell imported rice above the MSRP will be reported promptly to the DA for appropriate action.

The DTI Region 12 continues to collaborate with the DA, local government units, and market stakeholders to uphold consumer welfare and price stability. Further monitoring activities are scheduled in the coming weeks to ensure fair market practices across the region. ♦

Date of release: 07 March 2025

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