House Minority Leader Nonoy Libanan called for increased government support for Filipino rice farmers in the 2026 national budget, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to temporarily suspend rice imports.
“The decision to halt rice importation is a welcome and timely relief for our local rice farmers, who are currently struggling with falling palay (unmilled rice) prices due to the flood of cheap imports,” Libanan said.
“This decisive action puts the welfare of Filipino farmers front and center.”
“This decisive action puts the welfare of Filipino farmers front and center. Many are now being forced to sell their palay at a loss—some for as low as ₱8 to ₱10 per kilo, well below their production cost,” the veteran legislator added.
However, the seasoned lawmaker stressed that the import suspension must not be a standalone measure.
“We need to invest heavily in irrigation, farm mechanization, post-harvest facilities, access to affordable credit, and fair farmgate pricing mechanisms.”
“It must be followed by sustained and strategic government support to build up domestic rice production. We need to invest heavily in irrigation, farm mechanization, post-harvest facilities, access to affordable credit, and fair farmgate pricing mechanisms,” he pointed out.
“Let this mark the beginning of a long-overdue shift toward true food self-sufficiency. Our farmers are hardworking and capable, but they need consistent, targeted support—not just temporary relief in times of crisis,” Libanan said.
He underscored that the ₱6.7-trillion General Appropriations Bill (GAB) for 2026—expected to be submitted by Malacañang to Congress within the month—must reflect this commitment
“As House Minority Leader and a steadfast advocate of our agricultural sector, we urge the government to seize this opportunity to craft a long-term strategy that puts Filipino farmers at the core of our national food security agenda,” Libanan said.
Under the Constitution, the Executive branch is mandated to submit the GAB no later than August 27, or within 30 days from the July 28 opening of Congress.
Marcos ordered the 60-day suspension of rice importation effective September 1, to shield local farmers from depressed palay prices during the ongoing harvest season.
The President made the decision upon the recommendation of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., and after consultations with key Cabinet members, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez said in a statement on Wednesday.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) earlier reported that global rice surpluses, the lifting of India’s export ban, and the Philippines’ record-breaking palay harvest of 9.08 million metric tons in the first half of the year have triggered a steep decline in prices.
“With cheaper imports flooding the market, reports indicate that some private traders are now buying palay for as low as ₱8 to ₱10 per kilo—far below the production cost of ₱12 to ₱14. Farmers have attributed this sharp drop to the influx of imported rice,” the DA concluded.
