President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has assured the public that the government is taking decisive, coordinated action to ensure the stability of prices for food and essential goods in the wake of recent calamities.
In a Palace press briefing on Thursday, Presidential Communications Officer Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that a “whole-of-government approach” has been activated to secure price stability and provide immediate relief across the country.
Usec. Castro highlighted that President Marcos Jr. has directed all government agencies to provide robust support to calamity-affected farmers, ensuring their early recovery and safeguarding the nation’s food supply chain.
“Amid the successive challenges brought by recent calamities, the administration of President Marcos Jr. is implementing various interventions to protect the purchasing power and livelihoods of all residents,” Castro stated.
Coordinated Actions by Key Agencies
Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Ralph Recto confirmed the continuation of comprehensive relief and rehabilitation efforts, particularly for the agricultural sector. Usec. Castro relayed the Secretary’s assurance that the government remains fully engaged in ensuring that the prices of essential commodities remain affordable, especially for those most in need.
Furthermore, to prevent opportunistic price hikes and ensure adequate supply in disaster areas, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has swiftly imposed a price freeze on necessities in all affected communities.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has extended immediate assistance to farmers and fisherfolk, including:
Rice stock distribution from the National Food Authority (NFA).
Access to the Quick Response Fund (QRF) for rehabilitation and recovery efforts.
Indemnification for insured farmers whose crops were damaged.
To specifically address income loss from low palay (unhusked rice) prices, approximately 1 million rice farmers are slated to receive PhP7,000 each in assistance under the proposed 2026 national budget.
In a parallel effort to maintain economic stability, Usec. Castro also noted the administration’s measures to ensure energy supply security. The Department of Energy (DOE) will proceed with the auction of at least 100 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity. This will be conducted under an open and competitive selection process, inviting participation from both local and foreign developers.
