KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture XII, together with partner agencies, is conducting an information campaign to equip the public, especially rice sellers and retailers, on the main points of Executive Order No. 39, or the Imposition of Mandated Price Ceilings on Rice.

Recently, the DA XII created a task force that would focus on the campaign as well as monitor the implementation of the EO.

The task force is composed of the DA, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of the Interior and Local Government, National Food Authority, Philippine National Police, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Plant Industry, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and the provincial, municipal, and city local government units through their local chief executives and provincial, municipal, and city agriculturists.

“In the meantime, what the task force will do is focus more on monitoring while we are waiting for more updates from the DA-Central Office regarding the order. In line with our monitoring, we also inform and educate retailers," DA XII Regional Executive Director Dr. John Pascual said.

The EO took effect on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. Under the order, the mandated price for the regular milled rice is P41 per kilo, while the well-milled rice is P45 per kilo.

Meanwhile, Mark Aguirre, barangay kagawad of Barangay San Isidro, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, expressed full support for the EO.

“I am in favor of what President Marcos wants in implementing a price freeze on the price of rice because it is increasing so much that ordinary Filipinos can no longer afford it,” he said.

Aguirre also lauded the president for mandating concerned agencies to conduct raids to combat rice hoarders. (SJDM -- PIA 12)