Why the Rice Tariffication Law Must Be Replaced
By Teodoro C. Mendoza, PhD – Published on Inquirer.net, October 2, 2025
The alarming drop in palay prices—now at just ₱ 8 per kilogram—has devastated Filipino farmers, with losses exceeding ₱250 billion. In his compelling article, Dr. Ted Mendoza argues that this crisis stems from the structural failures of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), and calls for its urgent replacement with the Rice Industry Sustainable Development Act (RISDA).
RISDA offers a transformative vision for the rice sector: guaranteed procurement, price stabilization, climate resilience, and farmer empowerment. It repositions rice not just as a commodity, but as a cornerstone of national food sovereignty.
The Integrated Rural Development Foundation (IRDF) enjoins this call for reform. We stand in solidarity with farmers and advocates pushing for a rice policy that restores dignity, fairness, and sustainability in the sector.
For the full article and in-depth analysis, visit https://opinion.inquirer.net/186460/why-rice-tarifficaion-law-must-be-replaced and read by Dr. Ted Mendoza.
Let’s amplify the call for rice justice. The time to act is now!