BAGUIO CITY — The Department of the Interior and Local Government – Cordillera Administrative Region has reminded all local government units (LGUs) to enforce the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) on imported rice to prevent unjust markups in local markets.
In an advisory dated 29 April 2025, DILG Assistant Secretary for Local Government Atty. Jesi Howard S. Lanete reiterated the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Administrative Circular No. 05, Series of 2025 which prescribes an MSRP of ₱49.00 per kilogram of imported rice (5% broken) in all public and private markets nationwide, effective March 10 of this year.
Under Republic Act No. 7581 (the Price Act) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, the DA has the authority to regulate basic-commodity pricing. Pursuant to DA Administrative Circular No. 05, Series of 2025, this price ceiling is designed to protect consumers from unjustified mark-ups and to maintain market stability.
“We call on all Provincial Governors, City and Municipal Mayors, and Punong Barangays in the Cordillera to enforce the ₱49.00/kg ceiling without exception,” said Regional Director Araceli San Jose. “Upholding this rate ensures that rice remains affordable for every household.”
Local chief executives are reminded to disseminate the Advisory to their markets and barangays and to report any violations to the DILG-CAR Office for appropriate action under the Price Act. By FFP/DILG-CAR
