The Department of Agriculture (DA) expects food prices to drop in the coming months due to improving production and supply conditions.
DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said that prices of rice, pork, and fish are likely to decline, citing lower global rice prices, reduced pork demand, and the reopening of the fishing season.
“In fact, nitong December ay na-inflation report ng PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority) hindi na masyadong malaki iyong cost sa food inflation, in particular iyong bigas kumpara noong previous month.”
De Me noted the reported increase in pork prices due to the continuing effects of African Swine Fever (ASF) and high demand in late 2024, as well as the rise in fish prices due to closed fishing season.
“Sa isda ngayon ay closed fishing season pa rin at kaya nga nagpa-import si Secretary (Tiu-Laurel) ng additional 8,000 metric tons bago natapos ang taon at inaasahan natin by—itong huling bahagi ng January, February magbubukas na uli iyong ilang areas na nagkaroon ng closed fishing season, magbubukas na ulit,” according to him.
De Mesa said the government is also planning to declare a food security emergency to stabilize rice prices by releasing stocks from NFA warehouses and expanding rice retail stations.IMT
