February 3, 2025 10:41 PM

Philippines declares food security emergency to curb soaring rice prices

Philippine Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel declared a food security emergency concerning rice on Sunday to stabilize the extraordinarily high prices of the staple grain. "This emergency declaration allows us to release rice buffer stocks held by the National Food Authority (NFA) to stabilize prices and ensure that rice, a staple food for millions, remains accessible to consumers," Laurel said in a statement. The declaration was made based on recommendations from the National Price C...