The Philippine government has finalized a rice supply agreement with Vietnam as part of efforts to strengthen long-term food security and stabilize domestic grain supply, the Department of Agriculture (DA) confirmed.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the arrangement forms part of broader initiatives to reinforce long-term trade frameworks with key agricultural partners, ensuring a steady supply of rice and other essential commodities.

The agreement was reached through high-level discussions between Philippine officials, including President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu.

Under the one-year arrangement, Vietnam will supply approximately 1.5 million metric tons of rice to the Philippines. The deal is expected to support national buffer stocks and help stabilize market prices amid global supply pressures.

The DA said that once the agreement is formally completed, the first shipments of imported rice from Vietnam are expected to arrive by April 2027.

Officials emphasized that the deal is part of ongoing efforts to diversify import sources and ensure food security through stable and predictable international supply arrangements.