Philippine president to face early test over food security

MANILA: While Philippine elections this month were dominated by talk about crushing crime, the next president faces another critical early test: ensuring there is enough rice for the country’s more than 100 million people.

The Philippine crop is suffering mounting drought damage, just as the country’s big Asian rice suppliers also suffer from an El Nino weather pattern.

In a country where rice accounts for about a quarter of the expenditure of the poor, any supply disruptions are extremely sensitive.

Big purchases by the world’s third-biggest importer can also send shockwaves through markets.

There are now concerns that potentially vital imports may be delayed as the incoming administration of Rodrigo Duterte, who campaigned on making food available and affordable, looks to overhaul policies and review existing state purchase plans.

“Now is the right time to import as prices are starting to trend up,” said Bruce Tolentino, deputy director general for communication at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

Manila also had to scramble to import more rice in 2014 after prices shot up due to typhoon crop damage.