ZAMBOANGA CITY – The newly-reconstituted Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC), chaired by Mayor Khymer Olaso, has urged the National Food Authority (NFA) Regional Office-9 to release its buffer rice stocks to help prevent possible price surges following Malacañang’s 60-day suspension of rice imports that took effect September 1.
During its first meeting on Monday, September 8, Mayor Olaso and LPCC members raised concerns that the import ban may trigger an uptick in rice prices in the local market. The mayor directed concerned agencies to strengthen monitoring and ensure sufficient supply in public markets.
Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Mayor Celso Lobregat initiated a resolution requesting the NFA to immediately dispose of its buffer stocks as a measure to stabilize retail prices and make rice more accessible to consumers during the suspension period, which will last until October 30. City Administrator Percival Ramos and Lobregat were also scheduled to meet with NFA-9 officials in the afternoon to discuss the council’s request.
Initial reports from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the City Agriculturist’s Office indicated that rice prices remain generally stable, although a P40 to P50 increase per sack was observed at the onset of the ban. Continuous monitoring is being conducted to prevent drastic spikes.
The suspension was formalized under Executive Order 93, signed by Malacañang upon the recommendation of the DA. The measure temporarily halts the importation of regular and well-milled rice in order to protect local farmers during peak harvest season, absorb local production, and stabilize market prices.
Meanwhile, the LPCC also approved a separate resolution requesting the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to revisit and update its suggested retail prices (SRP) for basic commodities. The move came after the Industrial Group of Zamboanga Inc. (IGZI) flagged that current SRPs are “unrealistic” and fail to reflect rising material costs.
Among those present in the LPCC meeting were Councilor Litlit Macrohon, Executive Assistant Junty Castillo, DTI Provincial Director Grace Aduca, Engr. Ramon Bucoy, representatives from the DA, IGZI, City Health Office, City Planning and Development Office, Business Permits and Licensing Office, and the Market Stall Holders Association.