National Security Adviser Backs Agriculture Department’s Food Security Emergency Declaration

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año has thrown his support behind the Department of Agriculture’s push to declare a ‘food security emergency’ aimed at lowering rice prices across the Philippines. Año emphasized that food security is integral to national security and aligns with the Marcos administration’s 15-point National Security Agenda, as detailed in the 2023 National Security Policy and the 2024 National Security Strategy. These documents highlight the government’s responsibility to ensure food is available, accessible, affordable, and safe for all citizens. Año’s endorsement comes in response to the Department of Agriculture’s potential use of Republic Act 12708, which allows the DA chief to declare a food security emergency in cases of significant rice price hikes or shortages. Despite an adequate rice supply, prices remain high due to factors unrelated to global market trends or tariff adjustments mandated by the President. Año stressed that since rice is a staple in the Filipino diet, these inflated prices have a direct impact on the populace. He affirmed the DA’s authority to intervene and regulate prices to safeguard public interest. Additionally, Año called on market participants to collaborate with the government in this initiative. He warned against profiteering, politicizing the issue, or engaging in any malicious activities during this period, as such actions would further harm Filipinos. Año urged a unified commitment to enhancing national security through this collective effort.