MANILA, Philippines – Rice imports for the Philippines will continue but more stringent protocols are to be implemented for imported grains.

This is what Agriculture Secretary William Dar said after meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte, who had previously ordered the suspension of rice importation to allow the government to buy from “our country’s rice farmers.”

The issuance of import permits such as sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance will also be enforced.

“The country’s rice industry will continue to thrive with the implementation of the programs under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund which is aimed at making Filipino farmers more efficient and cost-productive so they can compete with their counterparts in Southeast Asia,” the Secretary said.

Dar also assured that the Rice Tariffication Law will continue to provide cheaper and quality rice for all Filipino families.

In order for the local farmers to earn more, Duterte also ordered the National Food Authority to buy more rice for emergency buffer stocks from farmers while others will be selling in the markets. (Marian Sinampan/IAMIGO/CNS)