Local rice surplus lowers prices in Cotabato City

KIDAPAWAN CITY — Local rice is now available in large quantities at the mega market here, causing prices to fall. Consumers are happy as prices have dropped significantly. Carmelito Bacus, president of the Grains Retailer Confederation, noted that local rice now costs P930 for a 50-kilogram sack. This is down from P1,150 just two weeks ago. Prices per kilogram have also decreased, now ranging from P45 to P49. This decline is due to a strong harvest in Cotabato and nearby provinces like Davao del Sur and South Cotabato. Farmers in these areas finished harvesting their crops in late February and early March. Bacus mentioned that rice from Bukidnon and several towns in Cotabato is contributing to the local supply. The availability of cheaper rice is expected to last until the next harvest in June. Bacus highlighted that consumers can now easily find affordable rice throughout Cotabato. He reported that his store has been selling around 20 sacks of local rice each day, which is double the amount sold during previous months when supplies were lower. While local rice prices have dropped, imported rice remains high, selling at P1,250 per sack and P55 to P57 per kilogram.