Farmers’ group hails BOC seizure of smuggled rice

MANILA, Philippines - Agriculture stakeholders lauded yesterday the recent seizure of 403 container vans of smuggled rice in Davao as they called on the government to remain vigilant against the illegal entry of imported grains into the country.

Rosendo So, president of the party-list Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura, commended the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Customs for their efforts to curb rice smuggling.

“We are grateful to Agriculture Secretary (Proceso) Alcala and Customs Commissioner (Ruffy) Biazon for their coordination that resulted in the seizure of more than 200,000 bags of smuggled rice,” he said.

The smuggled grains seized in Davao last week were misdeclared as waste metal, wooden panels, tiles and used clothes.

“The smuggled rice would have made an adverse impact on local farmers, especially now that we are in the harvest season,” So said.

The Philippine Farmers Advisory Board (PFAB) also lauded National Food Authority (NFA) administrator Orlan Calayag for his efforts to stop rice smuggling.

PFAB president Edwin Paraluman said that under Calayag’s watch, the NFA was able to prevent the illegal rice shipment at the port of Davao.

So said rice prices have stabilized, dispelling speculations of shortage in rice supply.

“There is sufficient supply of rice and prices remain stable. There is no shortage,” he said, adding that smugglers were trying to create an artificial shortage to justify the presence of illegally imported grains in the market.

Industry stakeholders such as Fertilizer Industry Association of the Philippines president Robert Castro, Region I Confederation of Irrigators Association president Oftociano Manalo and Philippine Confederation of Grains Associations Herculano Co have assured the public of enough rice supply.

Farmers in Isabela are projected to harvest more than 167,700 metric tons of palay this month. Cagayan Valley, on the other hand, is expected to harvest 264,700 MT of palay before the end of the year. – With Iris Gonzales, Eva Visperas