NAVAL, Biliran, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- In line with the government's implementation of suggested retail price (SRP) on rice, traders in Biliran province including two towns in Leyte province, vowed to follow the of SRP on rice effective next month.

The stakeholders in the grain industry such as traders, retailers, and farmers from the eight towns in Biliran province including the towns of Calubian and Leyte in Leyte province, agreed in a meeting to follow the SRP for rice effective December 8.

The meeting was initiated by the National Food Authority-Biliran provincial office in coordination with the provincial offices of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry.

Some rice traders who were present in the meeting responded positively to follow with the SRP set for rice.

NFA-8 Regional Director John Robert Hermano and Christopher Ang, president of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the province, allowed all rice retailers to sell at the current price only until December 7.

Hermano said those who sell beyond the SRP will have to face penalties and will be sanctioned for the violation.

He told rice traders to be vigilant and not be deceived with the bagged premium rice as some just bought bags of known brands and actually loading it with the regular or well-milled rice.

He also warned traders of deficient packing of rice sold in the market which usually range from 1 kg-2 kg to the disadvantage of the consumers.

These kind of malpractices must be reported immediately to their office for proper action, he added.

For her part, NFA-Biliran Manager Ma. Rosario Cadiz disclosed that they are closely monitoring the rice stocks of traders as well as millers to ensure proper accounting of rice stocks in the area.

Ronilo Jamin, trade and industry development specialist of DTI-Biliran, likewise informed rice traders that prices of rice and chicken in the market are now included in their monitoring.

Under the SRP sa Bigas, rice is only classified as Regular Milled Rice at P39 per kg; Well Milled Rice (local) at P44 per kg, (imported) at P39 per kg; Premium Grade (local) at P47 per kg, (imported Grade I) at P43 per kg and (imported Grade II) at P40 per kg.

No SRP is set for special rice such as aromatic, glutinous, pigmented, round shaped, and traditional or heirloom varieties.

With the current system, the kind of rice is easily identified in the market with price tags and rice box labels. Regular milled and well-milled rice are labelled white, yellow for premium grade rice, and blue for special rice. (LDL/MLT/PIA8-Biliran)