Consumers stick to supply issue as study backs shortfall data

Consumers here appear to be focused on only one issue when it comes to rice–enough supply. It appears not to matter to market goers here whether it is imported or local, as long as there’s rice to buy at reasonable prices. "We’re not choosy when it comes to rice,” said housewife Soledad Maximo in a random interview at the public market here. "As long as it is cheap, readily available and does not smell, it is OK, even if it is imported or homegrown,” she said. Another market goer said she was willing to pay higher for rice as long as there was supply. "Imported or local, it doesn’t matter. Just sell it,” said Anita Mendez, a mother of four. Mendez, however, said the National Food Authority should enforce laws against dealers cheating consumers. "Some mix special rice with the cheap ones and sprinkle them with an odor enhancer,” said Mendez. The continued increase in rice prices has become a contentious issue among government officials and legislators. Dr. Roehlano Briones, senior research fellow from government think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies, said that in a study, rice sufficiency targets from agriculture officials appear to be off the mark. In his study, Briones said rice prices are higher than what is "enjoyed by the rest of the world” because "our domestic production is not enough to meet demand.”