Philippines Moves to Bolster Food Security with New Bill

Photo courtesy of Manila Bulletin

The Philippines is taking significant strides to bolster its food security as the Department of Agriculture (DA) proposes to enhance the government's grains purchasing power. This includes a pivotal shift to encompass not just palay, or unmilled rice, but also corn and milled rice. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel is actively urging legislative bodies to reinstate the regulatory authority of the National Food Authority (NFA) as part of this crucial initiative.

Tiu Laurel, who leads the NFA Council, is advocating for the NFA to gain authority to manage supply, stabilise prices, and intervene in crises. These expanded powers are proposed under the amended Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), which the DA has persistently championed. This move aims to empower the NFA to purchase directly from local farmers and cooperatives, a measure believed to boost food security within the country.

The proposed Rice Industry and Consumer Empowerment (RICE) Act, penned by House Speaker Martin Romualdez, seeks to broaden the NFA’s mandate to include corn and milled rice. Tiu Laurel notes the strategic importance of corn, especially in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. "Corn is not just a rice substitute; it underpins our feed production for poultry and livestock," he stated.

With yellow corn accounting for 46% of livestock feed and 62% in poultry, its vital role in agriculture is underscored. Despite its importance, only 2.5 million hectares are currently devoted to corn farming, contributing to the livelihoods of over 1.1 million Filipino farmers. The DA highlights corn's significant impact, with the gross value added reaching ₱116.29 billion (around 77 billion THB) last year.

Granting the NFA the ability to procure corn is seen as critical during peak harvest, ensuring farmers receive fair prices. Tiu Laurel asserts that purchasing milled rice will promote sustainability and provide market stability for local cooperatives.

Additionally, the DA suggests amendments to the RTL that may require importers to contribute to maintaining national rice buffer stocks. Tiu Laurel believes this could lower government expenses related to buffer stocking. He has previously criticised the RTL for risking damage to the rice industry, rather than reforming it as intended.

The proposal reflects a balance between addressing immediate agricultural needs and strategic long-term planning to secure a stable food supply. If successful, these measures could significantly strengthen the foundation of the Philippines' agricultural sector, benefiting both producers and consumers.

As discussions progress in the Senate and House of Representatives, the nation's eyes are turned towards these legislative developments that could reshape the future of Philippine agriculture. With President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s vision of a food-secure Philippines, these proposals may well mark a turning point in the country's agricultural policy.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manila Bulletin 2025-09-09