Authors : Joshua G. Onia; Marietta J. Ablaza; John Ervin C. Garcia; Kymber M. Lapuz; Joyce I. Penas; Fernando T. Saturno Jr.; Roselle Marie B. Salazar; Rein Chester A. Sawi; Mark Eldrin C. Ting; Ryan V. Tipay; Ryan Carlo A. Uy; John Michael S. Villanueva

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 12 - December

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/mrxyw67f

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25dec476

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Abstract : Rice serves as a staple food and a critical component of the Philippine economy, making its pricing a matter of national and local concern. This study analyzed the influence of market structures on rice pricing in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, a major rice-producing and trading hub in Central Luzon. Employing a descriptive-correlational research design, the study surveyed 40 key participants in the rice value chain, including farmers, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers, using a structured questionnaire and key informant interviews. Data was analyzed through descriptive statistics, reliability testing, correlation, and regression analysis to examine the relationships between market structures, pricing behaviors, stakeholder perceptions, and rice prices. Findings revealed that while the market superficially appeared competitive due to the presence of multiple sellers, actual control over volume, supply, and wholesale pricing was concentrated among a few traders and millers, limiting competition and creating high entry barriers. Farmgate prices were found to be moderately aligned with production costs, and wholesale and retail prices responded more predictably to supply fluctuations. Stakeholders expressed moderate concerns about fairness and government monitoring of pricing. Statistical analysis confirmed a strong and significant positive relationship between market structure and rice pricing (r = 0.61, p < 0.01), with regression results indicating that market structure accounted for 39% of price variability (β = 0.68, p < 0.01). Consequently, the null hypothesis stating no significant relationship between market structure and rice prices was rejected. The study concluded that rice pricing in San Jose City is heavily influenced by structural market factors rather than solely by supply and demand dynamics. To improve price fairness and market efficiency, it recommends strengthening farmer capacity, reducing entry barriers, enhancing government monitoring, and promoting transparency across the rice value chain. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, market participants, and consumers while contributing to a deeper understanding of local rice market dynamics.

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