News Details

DA Ensures Stable Food Prices Amid Holiday Demand Surge

NPO

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December 8, 2025

MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday assured the public that food prices will remain stable throughout the holiday season.

The announcement comes as headline inflation eased further to 1.5 percent in November, with rice prices dropping by 15.4 percent, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that government measures are in place to provide affordable food, particularly for low-income families.

“The DA has implemented initiatives in recent weeks to keep prices steady, if not lower, especially during the Christmas season when demand typically spikes and price pressures increase,” he said.

The DA previously launched the “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na” program, offering rice at PHP20 per kilogram, now available at 423 locations across 81 provinces.

To further support affordability, the department is expanding Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) centers nationwide, while setting maximum suggested retail prices (MSRPs) for rice and other essential commodities, including imported rice, onions, carrots, and pork.

“We aim to balance farmer profitability with consumer affordability,” Tiu Laurel added.
“Even with numerous products to monitor, we are steadily rationalizing the country’s food system.”

Additionally, the DA has permitted the importation of onions, carrots, meat, and fish to ensure steady supply and prevent sudden price spikes in local markets.

NPO News Team | PNA-PR