MANILA, Philippines—President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order (EO) 129, which temporarily increases the Minimum Access Volume (MAV) for corn imports to prevent increases in meat and poultry prices amid a projected domestic supply deficit.
The order, signed on Oct. 26, 2026 increases the MAV for corn from 220,000 metric tons to 500,000 metric tons.
The decision comes as national projections indicate a yellow corn deficit of approximately 1.422 million metric tons between March and December 2026.
The order states that domestic production constraints have been exacerbated by escalating agricultural input costs—such as higher prices for fertilizer, fuel, and freight—alongside weather-related risks, including potential impacts from El Niño.
“There is an urgent need to address the projected supply gap in yellow corn, ensure adequate and stable supply of corn for the livestock, poultry, and feed milling industries, and mitigate pressures on teed and food prices,” the order reads.
