The Department of Agriculture (DA) has unveiled comprehensive plans for 2026, signaling a proactive approach to stabilize the Philippine rice market and bolster local production. These strategic initiatives are poised to impact rice traders, dealers, and consumers across the nation, fostering a more resilient and self-sufficient agricultural landscape.

Charting the Course for Philippine Rice in 2026: DA's Strategic Outlook

The DA's forward-looking agenda for the upcoming year demonstrates a clear commitment to balancing supply, protecting local farmers, and ensuring affordable rice for all Filipinos. Several key policy adjustments and significant budget allocations form the cornerstone of these plans.

Strategic Import Management and Tariff Review

• Calibrated Importation Schedule: To manage domestic supply and support local harvests, the government plans to extend the ban on rice importation until the end of 2025. This will be followed by a one-month import window in January 2026, allowing for the entry of approximately 300,000 metric tons of rice. Subsequently, a reimposition of the import ban is scheduled from February to April 2026, strategically coinciding with the dry season harvest to prevent price depression for local palay. This measured approach aims to avoid an oversupply that has previously put pressure on domestic palay prices.
• Potential Tariff Adjustment: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is considering restoring the 35% rice tariff, which was temporarily reduced to 15% in July 2024. This move seeks to provide greater protection for local farmers and potentially recover an estimated P20 billion in foregone government revenues. The decision is currently under evaluation by economic managers, weighing its implications on market stability and consumer prices.

Enhanced Budget and Farmer Support Programs

The agriculture sector is set to receive a substantial boost with a proposed P256.5 billion allocation in the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP). Of this, P153.9 billion is earmarked for the DA and its attached agencies.

• "Rice for All" Initiative: A significant P10 billion has been dedicated to this program, aimed at expanding access to affordable rice through Kadiwa outlets and public markets. This initiative will prioritize sourcing from farmers' cooperatives, the National Food Authority (NFA), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and other local suppliers, with strategic importation as a supplementary measure if necessary.
• Increased Funding for National Rice Program: The National Rice Program (NRP) will see its funding climb to P29.9 billion, a 38% increase from 2025, focusing on critical inputs like seeds and fertilizers.
• Continued Investment in Modernization: The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) will retain its P30 billion allocation, vital for mechanization, seed development, and other productivity-enhancing measures.
• Strategic Buffer Stocking: An P11.2 billion budget for rice buffer stocking includes P9 billion specifically for procuring 300,000 metric tons of palay to address emergencies and ensure stable supply.
• Direct Financial Aid and Insurance: One million rice farmers are slated to receive P7,000 each in direct cash aid under the 2026 national budget. Furthermore, the DA is advocating for an increase in crop insurance subsidy to P8 billion to expand coverage to 2.2 million rice farmers by 2026, offering a crucial safety net against unforeseen events. Emergency palay procurement by the NFA is also being implemented to stabilize farm-gate prices.

Strengthening Supply Chain Infrastructure

Infrastructure development remains a priority to improve efficiency and reduce post-harvest losses. The 2026 NEP includes P16 billion for 1,067 kilometers of Farm-to-Market Roads and P2.1 billion for a national agricultural food hub in Clark, Pampanga. These investments are crucial for facilitating the smooth movement of rice from farms to markets.

The DA's strategic plans for 2026 paint a picture of a proactive government committed to strengthening the Philippine rice industry from farm to table. These measures, encompassing careful import calibration, robust financial support for farmers, and significant investments in infrastructure, aim to create a more stable, competitive, and ultimately, more food-secure nation.

For quality rice that meets your household or business needs, trust VJ Rice Mill. We are committed to supporting local agriculture and providing our customers with only the finest grains. Visit us today for your premium rice supply!