The Philippines is battling a severe food crisis, characterized by sharply rising food prices. January 2025 witnessed a 4% surge in food inflation, primarily due to increased costs of essential goods such as meat, fish, and tomatoes. Although rice prices have eased somewhat from their December 2024 peak, many areas still experience high prices, indicating persistent food insecurity. This situation is impacting millions of Filipinos.

Farmers and experts, including IRDF Executive Director Arze Glipo, AMMA-KATIPUNAN president Eduardo Landayan, Dr. Rene Ofreneo (1st Nominee of ARISE Partylist), Dr. Teodoro Mendoza (agronomist and former professor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños), directly attribute the crisis to the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL). They argue that the RTL has fueled unregulated rice imports, creating monopolies that manipulate prices and depress local palay prices, leaving farmers like those in Nueva Ecija and Isabela struggling with prices as low as ₱15–₱18/kg. The government’s recent food security emergency declaration, releasing rice from buffer stocks, is viewed by Landayan as further detrimental to local farmers.

Experts like Ofreneo and Mendoza advocate for strong government intervention to resolve this crisis. Their recommendations include repealing the RTL, boosting the National Food Authority’s budget, investing in post-harvest infrastructure and value chain improvements, and implementing comprehensive price support systems for farmers. Without significant action, the experts warn, food insecurity will continue to impact the lives of countless Filipinos severely.