President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order (EO) 93 on August 29, directing the Department of Agriculture (DA) to lead and monitor a 60-day suspension of regular milled and well-milled rice imports from September 1 to October 30. The suspension excludes specialty rice varieties not commonly produced locally.
“The DA is hereby directed to lead and monitor the implementation of the suspension of rice importation, and undertake necessary measures to ensure that the country’s supply of rice remains sufficient during the period of suspension,” the order states.
The DA will coordinate with the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to submit reports on rice supply and market prices. These agencies must convene within 30 days to assess the suspension’s impact and recommend whether to lift or extend it.
The suspension period may be adjusted based on their joint recommendation. The DA, in coordination with the Bureau of Customs and DTI, will issue guidelines to ensure effective implementation.
The DA attributed the recent drop in rice prices to strong local production and increased imported rice arrivals earlier in 2025. The suspension aims to allow the domestic market to absorb local harvests, stabilize prices, and help farmers sell palay at fair prices.
EO 93 takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.