MANILA – The national government has established an inter-agency steering committee to ensure strict compliance with the newly implemented palay (unhusked rice) floor price under Executive Orders (EO) Nos. 100 and 101 — part of the Marcos administration’s broader initiative to stabilize rice prices, uplift farmers’ incomes, and eliminate exploitative trading practices.
During a joint press briefing on Thursday, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Conrado Estrella III emphasized the importance of the twin executive orders signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Oct. 25. He said the measure ensures that all government agencies and local government units purchase rice sourced directly from Filipino farmers.
“Ang pakay unang una… kapag bumibili sila ng palay o bigas, kailangan na ang kanilang bibilhing mga bigas ay magmumula sa palay na itinanim ng mga kamay ng mga magsasakang Pilipino,” Estrella said, stressing that the policy aims to create a guaranteed domestic market for locally produced rice.
According to Estrella, the inter-agency committee — composed of the Department of Agriculture (DA), National Food Authority (NFA), Departments of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Trade and Industry (DTI), Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and other concerned agencies — will oversee the enforcement and monitoring of compliance nationwide.
EO 100 mandates the DA to set and regularly adjust a minimum buying price for palay based on production costs, market trends, and farmer welfare, supported by consultations and data from the multi-agency group. The directive was prompted by the sharp decline in farmgate prices observed in recent months.
To safeguard farmers’ income, the EOs define the floor price at PHP 17 – PHP 23 per kilogram for wet palay and PHP 23 – PHP 30 per kilogram for dried palay. Entities buying below these rates may face administrative sanctions under existing laws.
The DAR further clarified that government facilities such as covered courts and gymnasiums may be temporarily used as post-harvest storage areas to reduce grain spoilage and quality loss.
Complementing EO 100, EO 101 orders the full enforcement of Republic Act 11321 or the Sagip Saka Act, allowing agencies, state universities, and local governments to directly procure rice and other produce from accredited farmers’ cooperatives and organizations without public bidding.
Senator Francis Pangilinan, author of the Sagip Saka Act, said the measure aims to strengthen farmers’ and fisherfolk’s enterprises by improving market access and ensuring fair compensation. The Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development (FFED) Program will oversee the initiative and submit progress reports to the President.
Estrella noted that DAR, through its registry of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), will aid in monitoring compliance, while the DA will maintain a database of eligible farmers and cooperatives.
“Kung lahat ng bigas na binibili ng gobyerno ay galing sa mga magsasaka natin, malaking tulong ito. Ma-assure sila ng magandang presyo at may siguradong merkado para sa kanilang ani,” he added.
Through the coordinated implementation of EOs 100 and 101, the government aims to protect Filipino rice farmers, ensure fair pricing, and stabilize the national rice supply chain — a crucial step toward achieving sustainable food security.
NPO News Team | PNA – PR
