𝗜𝗟𝗢𝗜𝗟𝗢 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 – The National Food Authority (NFA) is set to begin selling its buffer stocks of rice.
This move follows the declaration of a food security emergency by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., aimed at addressing the ongoing and unusual increase in rice prices in local markets.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo, Jasmine Lintag, Regional Manager of NFA Region 6, confirmed that the rice buffer stocks could now be sold to local government units (LGUs).
Under Department Circular No. 03, the release of stocks from the NFA is allowed to stabilize prices and ensure that rice remains affordable and accessible for Filipinos.
According to Lintag, several LGUs in Western Visayas, including Iloilo City and Negros Occidental, have expressed interest in purchasing the rice stocks.
However, there are specific allocations for each LGU.
For example, Iloilo City is allowed to purchase a maximum of 7,500 sacks of rice per month, while Negros Occidental can buy up to 42,500 sacks monthly.
The NFA sells rice at P33.00 per kilogram, while LGUs are permitted to sell it at P35.00 per kilogram.
The agency assured that the rice being sold meets quality standards.
The Department of Agriculture declared the food security emergency due to the “extraordinary” rise in the price of locally-produced rice, despite lower costs in the global market and tariff reductions.
The food security emergency will remain in effect until the situation improves.
