DA Not Considering SRP Implementation in PH Amidst Increase in Rice Inflation
If implementing the SRP will only jeopardize the situation, then the Philippines needs a more effective move to fight rice inflation surge.
Undeniably, contrary to what countless Filipinos hope for, the costs of rice in the Philippines continues to increase. The reality now is on the other side of the hopes of many people that it will be pulled back to P20 per kilo.
Rice is a staple food in the Philippines. If the household has enough budget, it is present in the table at least three (3) times a day — paired with viand for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Unlike the Americans which are into bread for breakfast, most Pinoys cannot kickstart their day well without having rice for breakfast.
However, due to the surge in the rice inflation recently, countless Filipino households are on tight budget now. Undeniably, in the case of those who are living below the poverty level, the high prices of rice intensifies the burden of putting food in the table.
Previously, there were reports that the Department of Agriculture was mulling over the implementation of a Standard Retail Price or SRP following the rice inflation surge. The prices of rice increased its fastet rate in 14 years since 2009 when it hit 19.6% last December.
However, recently, the DA dismissed the possibility of implementing the SRP. According to the agriculture department, it may only spike additional problems including the possibility of rice hoarding. The department also stressed that it will negatively affect the farmers as the traders will only buy the products on lower purchase prices.
I believe the DA has the best interests of everyone on its decision not to implement an SRP in the rice prices in the Philippines. However, such move does not eradicate the reality that the country is in need of the best solution amid the rapid surge in the rice inflation now.
With rice being a staple food in the Philippines, its cost really has the capacity to affect the other expenses in the household. Food is a primary concern and a huge spending on rice may rack up the bills, delay the medical treatments of a family member, and other unfortunate situations.
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