Rice Recovery Strengthens Aklan Food Security, Helps Ease Inflation

By John Dela Cruz

Aklan is benefiting from a strong rebound in rice production across Western Visayas in the third quarter of 2025, reinforcing local food security and helping stabilize prices as the province heads into the peak year-end consumption period.

Data from the Regional Economic Situationer of the Department of Economy, Development and Planning – Region VI showed that rice production in Western Visayas surged to 489,640 metric tons in Q3 2025, up sharply from 119,579 metric tons in the previous quarter. The recovery was driven by favorable rainfall, improved irrigation performance, and the normalization of fertilizer supply following early-year El Niño disruptions.

The region’s output in Q3 was also more than double the 215,299 metric tons recorded in the same period last year, marking a strong year-on-year recovery for the agriculture sector.

For Aklan, where rice remains a major staple and a key driver of household food costs, the improved regional supply translated into more stable market conditions. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, rice imports valued at ₱2.25 billion during the third quarter helped complement local harvests and prevent supply shortages.

The Department of Agriculture in  Aklan said the production gains also reflect the impact of sustained government interventions at the provincial level. The agency noted that its programs on the distribution of higher-yielding and climate-resilient rice seeds, expanded farmer training on modern production practices, and investments in post-harvest facilities such as dryers and milling support have helped improve farm productivity and reduce post-harvest losses.

“These interventions are showing results on the ground,” the Department of Agriculture in Aklan said, adding that continued support for seeds, skills development, and post-harvest infrastructure remains critical to sustaining rice output and farmer income in the province.

These developments contributed to the continued easing of inflation in Aklan. The province’s inflation rate declined further to –1.5% in Q3 2025, from –1.3% in the second quarter, reflecting softer rice prices and improved food availability. Except for Iloilo Province and Iloilo City, most provinces in Panay Island and Guimaras recorded inflation rates in negative territory during the period.

Local economic planners view the easing inflation as a positive signal as Aklan prepares for higher demand in the final quarter of the year, driven by the Christmas season, tourism activity, and increased household spending. The Q3 recovery highlights how coordinated production support, supply management, and post-harvest investments remain essential to strengthening food security and price stability in the province.