MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) said food supply in the country remains sufficient, even as higher global oil prices linked to tensions in the Middle East raise concerns over possible cost increases.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said there is no immediate threat to food availability, citing steady inventories and ongoing harvests.

“Definitely, there is no issue on supply. I can safely say that through June, even July, there is no issue on supply of almost everything,” Tiu Laurel said.

Rice supply continues to underpin overall stability. The National Food Authority currently maintains around 400,000 metric tons of buffer stock, equivalent to about 10 days’ consumption nationwide, while the peak harvest season and expected imports are seen to further boost supply.

To help manage prices, the DA is implementing market interventions such as monitoring rice prices, assessing potential price caps on imported rice, and directing Food Terminal Inc. and Planters Products Inc. to provide more affordable options.

Other key food items also remain adequately supplied.

“Supply of vegetables is also sufficient since this is the harvest and planting period,” Tiu Laurel said.

He added that imported pork stocks are available in cold storage facilities, while the domestic swine population continues to recover. Seasonal production of corn, sugar, and onions is also contributing to overall supply stability.

Despite this, the agriculture chief noted that external factors may still affect prices.

“In general, prices should be stable although there might be some slight increases due to higher freight and transport cost,” he said.

Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra said the government’s P20-per-kilo rice program for selected beneficiaries will continue until June 2028, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“It is also President Marcos’ directive to ensure rice sold under this program are good quality grains bought from local producers,” Guevarra said.

The DA said that while global oil price volatility may increase logistics costs, current harvest cycles and existing inventory levels are helping cushion its impact, keeping food supply stable while efforts continue to manage prices.