TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) -- To properly monitor the implementation of Executive Order No. 39 issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 2 created ‘Bantay Presyo Task Force’ to ensure retailers’ compliance on the set rice price ceiling.

Officer-In-Charge Regional Executive Director Rose Mary G. Aquino said the task force includes not only DA but also other agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Philippine National Police, the National Food Authority, and relevant local government units. 

“Basically, the members are tasked to check if the set price ceilings are being followed in the markets in the Cagayan Valley. They have already started monitoring the different public markets and supermarkets in the municipalities and cities in the region,” Aquino said. 

According to EO 39, prices of P41 per kilo for regular milled rice and P45 per kilo for well-milled rice will be implemented starting September 5, 2023.

Aquino said the creation of a task force is in line with the President's wish to stabilize the price of rice. 

Regional Technical Director for Operations Roberto C. Busania explained that regular milled rice is classified to have at least 30–40% broken and passed a single milling, while well-milled rice has 15–25% broken and well-polished.

"Premium and special rice are not part of the EO39 like the Sinandomeng, Dinorado, Thai Jasmine, Japonica, Glutinous, Indian, and Pakistani Basmati rice," said Busania.

Aquino and Busania further encouraged rice retailers to strictly follow the price rice cap order of the President who is also heading the agriculture department. 

Also, part of the role of the task force is to determine the public reaction and effect of the EO to both the consumers and the retailers. 

On the other hand, the agriculture officials also advised the public to try to consume other rice alternatives such as cassava, gabi, sweet potatoes, bananas, and corn. They also reminded the public to avoid wasting rice by consuming only what they need.

EO 39 serves as a weapon of the Marcos administration to protect consumers against hoarders, rice cartels, and illegal price manipulators. 

The order also mandates a coordinated effort among various agencies to ensure the strict implementation of the mandated price ceilings; intensify the fight against hoarding and illegal importation of rice; and take measures against cartels to ensure fair market competition and uphold consumer welfare and protection. (OTB/MDCT/PIA Region 2)