ILOILO City – With farm-gate prices of palay now climbing to P16 to P19 per kilo following the government’s decision to halt rice imports in the last quarter of 2025, the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Western Visayas is urging farmers to seize the momentum and work closely with authorities to strengthen local production and food security.
DA Region 6 called for intensified collaboration with farmers, cooperatives, and agricultural groups across the region, saying the policy shift has begun yielding tangible gains for local producers.
The suspension of rice imports, implemented in the fourth quarter of 2025 and set to run until Dec. 21, 2025, is widely seen as a strategic move to boost domestic output and stabilize farm incomes.
James Earl Ogatis, public information officer of DA-6, said farmers are already feeling the impact of reforms rolled out at the start of 2026.
He noted that farm-gate prices for palay (unmilled rice) have significantly improved, now ranging from P16 to P19 per kilogram — a development that signals stronger market demand for locally produced rice and reflects the gains of government interventions.
The regional office emphasized that sustaining these gains will require stronger coordination between farmers and the government, particularly as the dry season approaches.
Ogatis encouraged farmers to diversify their crops to cushion against climate risks and water shortages, recommending drought-resilient varieties such as squash, eggplant, okra, dry beans, and watermelon.
DA-6 also reaffirmed its commitment to provide technical and material support, including advanced technology assistance, updated production guides, and continuing training for agricultural extension workers in local government units.
Farmers may access free seeds through DA research stations or their respective Municipal Agriculture Offices, provided they are registered under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) — a requirement for availing both technical and material assistance.
The agency further urged farmers to organize or join cooperatives and associations to improve access to institutional buyers and formal markets. Registration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), along with securing appropriate business permits, is necessary for formal organization.
Enrollment in the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System (FFEDIS) can also increase product visibility among buyers, while participation in KADIWA markets offers additional marketing channels for local produce.
For inquiries and assistance, DA-6 invites farmers to visit its office at Fort San Pedro, City Proper, Iloilo City.
The agency stressed that building a resilient agricultural sector in Western Visayas hinges on unified action, underscoring that collaborative solutions remain critical to protecting farmer livelihoods and ensuring long-term food sustainability in the region./PN
