BUYING PRICES OF PALAY SOAR

The buying price of dry palay (with 14% moisture content) in several rice-producing towns in Bohol has surged
to as high as P26 – P27 per kilo.

Maricel Barloso, Provincial Rice Coordinator, said that based on the latest weekly price monitoring, palay prices
in Calape reached P27 per kilogram, while wet palay is at P22. In Tubigon, prices were recorded at P26 per
kilogram.

She added that just the previous week, prices ranged only from P21 to P24 per kilogram, making a significant
increase within a short period.

Barloso explained that this price surge typically occurs during the peak of harvest season, particularly in the
months of March and April.

While the increase benefits farmers, she expressed concern that most of the harvested yields are being purchased
by traders and transported to other provinces. This may lead to a reduced local supply, especially if global
conditions-such as tensions in the Middle East-worsen and affect rice importation.

Earlier, Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog urged Boholanos to conserve rice and discouraged farmers from
selling their produce to traders who export outside the province.

Quirog also expressed hope that this harvest season will strengthen local production. She noted that provincial
officials, led by Gov. Aris Aumentado and Vice Governor Nick Besas, along with agricultural agencies, are actively
working to stabilize food availability.

Other municipalities reported the following palay buying prices: Alicia (dry-P24.50, wet – P22), Batuan (dry –
P24), Bilar (dry -P24, wet – P22), Buenavista (dry – P25), Carmen (dry – P24, wet – P21), Clarin (dry – P21),
Dagohoy (dry – P24, wet – P22), Dimiao (dry – P24), Getafe (dry – P25), Loay (dry – P25), Pilar (dry – P25),
Sagbayan (dry – P25), Siera-Bullones ( dry – P25), Sikatuna (dry – P25), Ubay (dry – P24, wet- P23)and Valencia
(dry – P24). (Atoy)