Families face growing financial pressure as rice inflation jumped to a two-year high of 19.4% this month.
The government says building buffer stocks ahead of a possible El Niño is more urgent, while farmers seek stronger support and better palay prices.
Water concessionaire says only some high-elevation areas may experience low water pressure overnight as new water sources boost supply.
Treated waste water is being converted into potable water as Angat Dam levels fall and drought concerns grow.
