The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday, February 19, kicked off the distribution of rice stocks from the National Food Authority (NFA) to local government units (LGUs) committed to addressing the recently declared food security emergency. This move aims to combat the steep rise in rice prices that start in July 2023.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. led the ceremonial release at the NFA warehouse in Valenzuela City, where 1,000 sacks of 50-kilo rice were handed over to San Juan City, one of the Metro Manila LGUs participating in the initiative to temper rice prices.
In response to the food security emergency declaration, the NFA plans to release at least 25,000 metric tons of rice per month through Food Terminal Inc. (FTI). This initiative seeks to restore domestic rice prices to pre-July 2023 levels, when global rice prices began rising due to India’s decision to ban non-basmati rice exports in August 2023 and increased demand from rice-importing countries fearing the impact of El Niño on global rice production in 2024.
The NFA Council, chaired by Secretary Tiu Laurel, raised the palay buying price last year to P17-P30 per kilo, up from the 2023 price range of P16 to P23 per kilo.
LGUs interested in selling NFA rice are encouraged to coordinate with the DA to initiate their partnership request. If needed, they will receive a 30-day credit from FTI to cover the cost of the rice, facilitating quicker processing and providing a buffer period for payment. ### (Text by Krystelle Ymari A. Vergara; Photos by Joseph Henry Elamparo, DA-AFID)
