Beyond Rice Tariffication Law: A Systematic Review of Food Security and Agricultural Sustainability in the Philippines

The Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) has significantly reshaped the Philippine rice sector, influencing food security, agricultural sustainability, and farmer livelihoods. This systematic review, conducted using the PRISMA framework, synthesizes 17 studies to evaluate the economic, policy, and agricultural implications of RTL. Findings reveal that while RTL stabilized consumer rice prices and increased market efficiency, it also resulted in income losses for rice farmers due to lower farm gate prices and intensified competition from imported rice. The review highlights the mixed outcomes of RTL, where government assistance programs, such as the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), provided financial support but were hindered by bureaucratic inefficiencies and uneven distribution. Additionally, RTL’s long-term effects on food security remain uncertain, as increased dependence on rice imports raises concerns about agricultural resilience. Policy recommendations include enhancing government support mechanisms for farmers, refining subsidy allocation, strengthening domestic rice production, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate RTL’s negative impacts. A balanced approach is needed to maintain consumer benefits while ensuring the sustainability of local rice production and farmer livelihoods.