MANILA, Philippines — Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced on Saturday, March 21, 2026, that while the country maintains a stable food supply, consumers should expect a “slight” increase in retail prices. This shift is attributed to rising freight and transport costs driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Despite the Feb. 28 military actions involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran causing a sharp spike in diesel prices—the primary fuel for agricultural logistics—Secretary Tiu Laurel assured the public that there is “definitely no issue on supply” through June or July.
- Rice: Inventory rose 5.3% to 2.11 million metric tons as of February. The National Food Authority (NFA) currently holds 400,000 MT in buffer stock, enough for 10 days of national consumption, with peak harvest season approaching.
- Vegetables & Seasonals: Supply remains sufficient as many crops, including corn, sugar, and onions, are currently in their harvest or planting periods.
- Livestock & Fisheries: Cold storage facilities are well-stocked with imported pork, and local swine populations are increasing. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is also actively distributing fuel subsidies to municipal fisherfolk to mitigate rising costs.
Price Monitoring (as of March 19, 2026): | Product Type | 2026 Price Range (per kg) | 2025 Price Range (per kg) | | :— | :— | :— | | Local Well-Milled Rice | ₱40.00 – ₱57.00 | ₱38.00 – ₱54.00 | | Local Regular Milled Rice | ₱35.00 – ₱47.00 | ₱33.00 – ₱48.00 | | Imported Well-Milled Rice | ₱45.00 – ₱49.00 | ₱44.00 – ₱46.00 | | Frozen Pork Shoulder (Kasim) | ₱210.00 – ₱280.00 | ₱230.00 – ₱280.00 | | Whole Chicken | ₱150.00 – ₱240.00 | ₱160.00 – ₱240.00 | | Local Galunggong (Round Scad) | ₱240.00 – ₱400.00 | ₱260.00 – ₱400.00 |
- Price Freeze: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed that several major local producers and retailers have agreed to a two-month price freeze on processed food products.
- Fuel Assistance: BFAR has provided ₱3,000 one-time financial aid to over 10,000 fisherfolk, with plans to expand to 15,000 more in fifth-class municipalities.
- Long-Term Policy Calls: Think tanks like CenPeg are urging the government to move beyond temporary subsidies. Proposed long-term solutions include repealing the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998 and accelerating the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 to reduce national dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets.