TUGUEGARAO CITY — The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 02 (DA Region 02) joined the nationwide simultaneous market surveillance of rice outlets today, June 1, 2026, following the initiative of DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. The operation is in line with the enforcement of Executive Order No. 118, titled “Imposition of Mandated Price Ceiling on Imported Rice,” which establishes a price cap of ₱50 per kilogram for 5% broken imported rice.

Led by DA Region 02 Regional Executive Director Rose Mary G. Aquino, the agency conducted inspections across various rice outlets in Tuguegarao City in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and employees of BPI to ensure strict compliance with the nationwide market monitoring guidelines.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. created Executive Order (EO) No. 118 in May 2026, which imposes a nationwide 30-day price cap of ₱50 per kilogram on imported 5% broken rice to curb profiteering, fight illegal price manipulation like hoarding, and keep rice affordable amid broader global economic pressures and national energy emergencies.

Alongside the price monitoring, the agency is actively encouraging consumers to patronize “Mabango rice,” locally known as the “Double Diamond” brand.

Double Diamond is one of the most popular premium local rice varieties in the Philippines, a favorite of many because of its unique aroma, softness, and whiteness when cooked. This variety is based on NSIC Rc 218 SR (Mabango 3), a seed series developed by PhilRice known for its exceptional quality.

The homegrown variety recently clinched the Silver Medal at the 2025 World’s Best Rice Awards. Recognized as a premier rice product of the Cagayan Valley, Mabango Rice highly competes with imported varieties in terms of quality but is offered at a more affordable local price of just ₱49 per kilogram.

via Dr. Ferdinand Cortez