Manila, Feb. 17 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) further lowered its maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for 5 percent broken rice in Metro Manila to PHP52 per kilogram from PHP55.

The reduction, effective Feb. 15 under Administrative Circular No. 3, was made due to the declining trend of global rice prices, particularly in India, Thailand and Vietnam.

As of January, the price of 5 percent broken rice from India is set at USD425.4 per metric ton (MT); while Vietnam rice is worth USD416 per MT; and USD458.7 per MT of 25 percent broken Thailand rice, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

In an interview Monday, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the gradual lowering of MSRP g...