The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced a strategic plan to distribute National Food Authority (NFA) rice stocks in response to a potential food security emergency.

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said he aims to secure approval from the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) this week to declare a national food security emergency, which will authorize the release of rice buffer stocks to government agencies and local government units (LGUs).

The initiative comes as rice prices remain high in certain areas despite global price reductions and the lowering of rice tariffs from 35% to 15% in July last year under the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. According to NFA Administrator Larry Lacson, the agency plans to release 150,000 metric tons—or around 3 million 50-kilo bags—of rice over six months, prioritizing areas with elevated rice prices.

“This monthly release of approximately 30,000 metric tons will alleviate high rice prices and prepare NFA warehouses for the upcoming palay procurement season,” Lacson explained. He assured that sufficient buffer stocks will still be maintained to address potential disasters or emergencies.

The rice harvest season, which begins mid-February, will see the NFA procuring palay at P23 per kilo, aiming to bolster supply in compliance with the amended Rice Tariffication Law. The law requires the NFA to maintain a 15-day rice buffer stock, equivalent to 555,000 metric tons, to meet national consumption needs.

This plan underscores DA’s commitment to ensure rice affordability and availability across the country amid ongoing price fluctuations and market challenges. It will also help protect the purchasing power of Filipino families, one of the goals of President Marcos’ 8-point socio-economic agenda. ###