Rice retailers, traders and importers in Iloilo province have formed the Iloilo Grains Businessmen Association (IGBA) to strengthen their sector amidst the crisis on the price of rice.
IGBA led by their President Ildefonso Dolorfino and Vice President Charmine Devicente-Guiang took their oath from Provincial Administrator Raul Banias representing Gov. Arthur Defensor, Jr. last September 26, 2023.
Dolorfino said the group was formed following the implementation of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s Executive Order 39 imposing price ceiling on rice.
IGBA has more or less 100 members from the different parts of the province.
He said EO 39 affected their sector but they have to respect the president’s directive.
Dolorfino said based on their monitoring most of their members have complied with EO 39 setting a price cap of PhP 41.00 for regular milled rice and PhP 45.00 well milled rice.
Representatives from the Department of Agriculture, National Food Authority, Bureau of Customs and Department of Trade and Industry also graced the induction of officers of the new group.
Board Members Rolly Distura and Matt Palabrica were also present.
During the open forum after their oathtaking ceremony, Dolorfino stressed that hoarding of rice does not happen here in Western Visayas. Hoarding is one of the factors that contributed to the uncontrolled high price of rice.
“If there were reports of hoarding, it is certain, that it is in some other parts of Luzon,” said former Rey Mayor Grabato, who is also a member of the group.
Banias thanked IGBA for fully supporting the government in the implementation of EO 39.
Palabrica also lauded the organization as he expressed hopes that it will serve as the voice of rice retailers, traders, importers and other stakeholders.
