Davao Region Assures Stable Rice Supply Despite Rising Fuel Costs
The Department of Agriculture-Davao Region (DA-Davao) has assured the public that the rice supply in the region remains stable, despite concerns over potential shortages linked to rising fuel costs driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This assurance comes as prices for certain rice varieties, like Pandan and V-160 King, and eggs have already begun to increase.
Rice Imports and Local Production
According to Macario “Bong” D. Gonzaga, regional director of DA-Davao, rice imports currently stand at 104 metric tons, supplementing the ongoing harvest from local farmers. The region boasts 59,000 hectares dedicated to rice production, providing an estimated 60-day buffer stock managed by the National Food Authority (NFA). Gonzaga stated, “I’m not worried about the supply, but the price, there might be adjustment from time to time,” during a media interview on March 25, 2026, at the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Potential Price Increases and Fuel Subsidies
While the DA-Davao anticipates only a P5 increase in rice prices within the next three months, the department acknowledges that escalating oil prices will inevitably contribute to upward pressure on costs. To mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs on farmers and fisherfolk, the DA will provide a P5,000 fuel subsidy to each registered recipient. The department is currently finalizing the master list of beneficiaries, aiming to distribute the subsidies within March 2026, with some farmers and fisherfolk already possessing monitoring cards for direct credit of the subsidy.
Approximately 396,397 registered farmers and 114,810 fisherfolk in the region are eligible for this assistance.
Monitoring of Basic Goods
DA-Davao is as well monitoring the supply of chicken and pork, anticipating potential price increases if the crisis in the Middle East persists. Similarly, prices for spices and vegetables are expected to rise gradually due to increased logistical costs associated with higher fuel prices. The department is working with the Davao City Price Monitoring Council and the Task Force on Price Monitoring, headed by the City Mayor’s Office, as well as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at the regional level, to ensure fair pricing and prevent profiteering.
Gonzaga emphasized that DA personnel are deployed throughout the region daily to monitor prices, but the department’s mandate is limited to monitoring prices set by businesses; the authority to address hoarding and profiteering rests with the monitoring councils.
RGP
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