Concerns over potential supply disruptions linked to rising fuel costs stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East have prompted assurances from the Department of Agriculture-Davao Region (DA-Davao) regarding the stability of the region’s rice supply.
Rice Supply and Price Monitoring
According to Macario “Bong” D. Gonzaga, regional director of DA-Davao, the region’s rice supply is currently secure, bolstered by 104 metric tons of recent rice imports and ongoing harvests from local farms across 59,000 hectares of rice production.
Gonzaga indicated that even as the price of rice may increase by approximately P5 within the next three months, the department acknowledges its limited ability to prevent price increases given the broader trend of rising oil prices. He stated that increased fuel costs are directly impacting logistical expenses for rice importers, and dealers.
Support for Farmers and Fisherfolk
To mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs on local producers, DA-Davao is preparing to distribute a P5,000 fuel subsidy to each registered farmer and fisherfolk in the region. The department is currently finalizing the master list of recipients, with a goal of disbursing the subsidies within March 2026 to those with existing monitoring cards.
Approximately 396,397 farmers and 114,810 fisherfolk are expected to benefit from this initiative.
Monitoring of Basic Goods
DA-Davao too reports sufficient supplies of chicken and pork, but cautions that continued instability in the Middle East could lead to price increases for these commodities, as well as for spices and vegetables. The department expects vegetable prices to gradually increase due to higher logistics costs.
DA-Davao is actively monitoring prices in coordination with the Davao City Price Monitoring Council, headed by the City Mayor’s Office, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at the regional level. Daily monitoring of prices is conducted throughout the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DA-Davao doing to address rising rice prices?
DA-Davao is monitoring rice prices and has assured the public that the rice supply is stable due to sufficient imports and local harvests. They acknowledge that prices may increase by around P5 in the next three months due to rising fuel costs.
Who is eligible for the fuel subsidy?
Registered farmers and fisherfolk in the Davao Region are eligible for a P5,000 fuel subsidy. The department is currently preparing a master list of recipients.
What other goods are being monitored for price increases?
DA-Davao is also monitoring the prices of chicken, pork, spices, and vegetables, anticipating potential increases if the crisis in the Middle East continues.
As fuel costs continue to fluctuate and global events unfold, how might these factors collectively shape the economic landscape for farmers and consumers in the Davao Region?
Worth a look