Business · Philippines Bureau
Philippines assured of adequate rice supplies through year-end despite flooding
The Department of Agriculture has assured the nation of sufficient rice stocks until December, buoyed by incoming imports and the start of the harvest season. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. made the assurance during budget hearings before lawmakers.
LSN Philippines ·
The Philippines maintains adequate rice supplies to meet demand through the end of the year, according to the country's agriculture chief, who dismissed concerns about potential shortages amid recent flooding in major agricultural regions.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. expressed confidence in the nation's rice security during a Department of Agriculture budget briefing before the House committee on appropriations. He cited two key factors supporting the outlook: ongoing rice imports and the commencement of the harvest season.
The assurance comes as flooding has affected agricultural areas, raising questions about domestic production capacity in the near term. Tiu Laurel indicated that imported rice supplies would bridge any gaps in domestic output until local harvest operations reach full capacity.
The agriculture chief's statement seeks to stabilize public concern over rice availability and pricing as the country navigates weather-related disruptions to farming operations. Officials are monitoring the situation as the harvest season progresses in the coming weeks.