PCCI supports lifting of rice import curbs

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s largest business organization, supports the Duterte administration’s economic team on calls not to extend quantitative restrictions (QR) on rice, saying it would lead to lower prices of the food staple.

In an interview with The STAR, PCCI director for agriculture William Co said the group is in favor of the country not seeking a further extension of the QR on rice under an agreement with the World Trade Organization.

“My point is you see, at the international market, rice prices are much, much lower than our domestic market price. This is about $360 per metric ton. That’s around P20 (per kilo of rice) and over here we have P40, even higher. That’s why I’m in favor of no more extension,” Co said.

The Duterte administration has failed to come up with a unified stance regarding the matter, with Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol making public his stand on seeking another extension of the QR by least two more years, while Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia thought it is best for the country not to seek a further extension as lifting the QR is seen to help improve the competitiveness of Filipino rice farmers.

Aside from the QR issue, PCCI is also urging the government to increase support for agriculture in order for the country to become rice and food self-sufficient.

Co said the country’s agricultural sector faces immense problems due to years of neglect and misguided policies.

He said the sector’s anemic growth, particularly in the last five years, is the main reason why the high rate of poverty has persisted.

“Seventy percent of our poor live in rural areas where agriculture is the main livelihood source,” Co said.

According to the group, farmers and fisherfolks need support in terms of infrastructure, pre- and post-harvest facilities and grains terminals, feeds for poultry and greater access to financing.

PCCI said while farmers have their own lands, many of them have unsecured land tenure and limited property rights which discourages agricultural financing and productivity.