THE Department of Agriculture (DA)-Northern Mindanao assured the public that there will be an adequate rice supply during the 60-day implementation of Executive Order (EO) 39 in Northern Mindanao.
According to DA-Northern Mindanao Technical Director for Operations Carlota Madriaga, the total rice supply for September, composed of locally produced and imported rice, amounted to 190,192 metric tons.
The total demand for the region's population stood at 61,105 metric tons.
Madriaga said the surplus of rice means that there is an ending stock of around 129,000 metric tons, which will be enough to last for 88 days.
On September 1, 2023, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued EO 39, imposing the cap or retail price ceiling for rice in the country in response to rising costs of the table staple caused by hoarding and price manipulation.
Under EO 39, the mandated price of regular milled rice is P41 per kilogram while well-milled rice should be sold at P45 per kilogram.
Madriaga said rice retailers failing to adhere to the order will receive a notice of non-compliance.
Retailers not complying with the EO will also not be eligible for assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Trade and Industry.