DTI conducts simultaneous price monitoring for imported rice in SOCCSKSARGEN
SOCCSKSARGEN, Philippines— On March 5, 2025, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) held a simultaneous price monitoring for imported rice across various public markets in the region. This region-wide initiative underscores the DTI’s commitment to its mandate of protecting consumers and maintaining fair pricing for essential commodities, particularly rice.
The DTI’s monitoring efforts are directly aligned with Executive Order No. 62, Series of 2024, which sets price ceilings for different rice categories. This action supplements the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) monitoring initiatives, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fair pricing and food security.
To further stabilize the rice market, the DA announced that the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice nationwide. The MSRP was lowered from PHP 55 to PHP 52 per kilo starting February 15, and will be further reduced to PHP 49 per kilo by March 1. This gradual adjustment is intended to prevent market disruptions while ensuring fair pricing.
Following this declaration, the DTI Regional Office, in coordination with the Provincial Office, intensified their monitoring activities. As a result, in South Cotabato at the Koronadal City Public Market, prices ranged between PHP 47 to PHP 58 per kilogram, with retailers compliant with price guidelines and statutory requirements.
Similarly, in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, imported rice prices recorded between PHP 54 to PHP 58 per kilogram.
Furthermore, in Sarangani at the Alabel Public Market, imported rice was priced at PHP 52 per kilogram.
Additionally, in Cotabato Province at the Kidapawan City and Midsayap Public Market, rice prices ranged from PHP 50 to PHP 56 per kilogram.
In parallel to the DTI’s regional efforts, the DA also conducted price monitoring exclusively in General Santos City. The monitoring activity focused on verifying price tags and checking compliance with fair trade laws. Higher prices were observed in stores that still had old stocks, while newly stocked rice was priced lower.
The DTI emphasizes that rice sellers who sell imported rice above the MSRP will be reported promptly to the DA for appropriate action.
The DTI Region 12 continues to collaborate with the DA, local government units, and market stakeholders to uphold consumer welfare and price stability. Further monitoring activities are scheduled in the coming weeks to ensure fair market practices across the region. END
DTI, JR East pave modernized PH railways
Tokyo, Japan—“The Philippines is at a turning point in its infrastructure development. President Marcos has made it clear: the expansion and modernization of our railway system is a priority,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary underscored during her meeting with the executives of East Japan Railway Company (JR East) on March 04.
Secretary Roque emphasized the Philippine government’s commitment to attracting investments in in diverse sectors, particularly in the railway industry. She highlighted the crucial role of connectivity across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in driving national development.
Central to the discussion were JR East’s insights in traffic management, the significance of comprehensive railway maintenance, and potential partnerships to optimize Philippine railway infrastructure.
Represented by Company Director General Shunzo Miyake and Deputy Director Toshiyuki Matsuda, JR East shared insights from their successful railway project in Bangkok. They established how comfortable and reliable train systems can encourage commuters to shift from private vehicles, thereby reducing congestion. They also stressed the LRT and MRT lines of Manila will significantly benefit from enhanced railway operations maintenance.
Furthermore, the railway company highlighted the value of leveraging active partnerships with entities such as Japan International Cooperation Agency, to optimize Japanese Official Development Assistance on Philippine railway. This collaboration will involve joint research and feasibility studies to support Philippine government initiatives.
The discussions between DTI and JR East have reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to advancing its railway infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth and national connectivity. By partnering with JR East, the Philippines seeks to accelerate the development of a reliable, efficient, and sustainable transport system that will fuel economic progress.
“We welcome JR East’s interest in the operation and maintenance of the Philippines’ railway systems. With its proven expertise and track record in delivering world-class transport solutions, JR East is in a prime position to drive efficiency, reliability, and long-term sustainability in our rail sector,” Secretary Roque affirmed.
“This opportunity is a call to action to set new benchmarks for railway excellence in the Philippines. We commit to fully explore this potential with JR East and become a key player in shaping the future of our transportation network,” the trade chief added.
“Our commitment to facilitating high-impact collaborations that support the Philippines’ push for industrialization and infrastructure modernization aligns with the DTI’s broader goals. Strengthening our ties with leading global players like JR East ensures that our investments in the railway sector translate into real economic gains for businesses and communities,” Special Trade Representative Dita Angara-Mathay stated.
Established in 1987, JR East, Japan’s largest passenger railway operator, expressed commitment to supporting the Marcos Jr. administration’s goal of completing key railway projects before 2028. This partnership signifies a major step towards realizing a modernized, efficient, and sustainable railway network in the Philippines, fostering economic growth and improved connectivity for all Filipinos. END
DTI, JR East pave modernized PH railways
Tokyo, Japan—“The Philippines is at a turning point in its infrastructure development. President Marcos has made it clear: the expansion and modernization of our railway system is a priority,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary underscored during her meeting with the executives of East Japan Railway Company (JR East) on March 04.
Secretary Roque emphasized the Philippine government’s commitment to attracting investments in in diverse sectors, particularly in the railway industry. She highlighted the crucial role of connectivity across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in driving national development.
Central to the discussion were JR East’s insights in traffic management, the significance of comprehensive railway maintenance, and potential partnerships to optimize Philippine railway infrastructure.
Represented by Company Director General Shunzo Miyake and Deputy Director Toshiyuki Matsuda, JR East shared insights from their successful railway project in Bangkok. They established how comfortable and reliable train systems can encourage commuters to shift from private vehicles, thereby reducing congestion. They also stressed the LRT and MRT lines of Manila will significantly benefit from enhanced railway operations maintenance.
Furthermore, the railway company highlighted the value of leveraging active partnerships with entities such as Japan International Cooperation Agency, to optimize Japanese Official Development Assistance on Philippine railway. This collaboration will involve joint research and feasibility studies to support Philippine government initiatives.
The discussions between DTI and JR East have reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to advancing its railway infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth and national connectivity. By partnering with JR East, the Philippines seeks to accelerate the development of a reliable, efficient, and sustainable transport system that will fuel economic progress.
“We welcome JR East’s interest in the operation and maintenance of the Philippines’ railway systems. With its proven expertise and track record in delivering world-class transport solutions, JR East is in a prime position to drive efficiency, reliability, and long-term sustainability in our rail sector,” Secretary Roque affirmed.
“This opportunity is a call to action to set new benchmarks for railway excellence in the Philippines. We commit to fully explore this potential with JR East and become a key player in shaping the future of our transportation network,” the trade chief added.
“Our commitment to facilitating high-impact collaborations that support the Philippines’ push for industrialization and infrastructure modernization aligns with the DTI’s broader goals. Strengthening our ties with leading global players like JR East ensures that our investments in the railway sector translate into real economic gains for businesses and communities,” Special Trade Representative Dita Angara-Mathay stated.
Established in 1987, JR East, Japan’s largest passenger railway operator, expressed commitment to supporting the Marcos Jr. administration’s goal of completing key railway projects before 2028. This partnership signifies a major step towards realizing a modernized, efficient, and sustainable railway network in the Philippines, fostering economic growth and improved connectivity for all Filipinos. END