The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced that while the National Food Authority (NFA) is set to release its rice buffer stock next week following the expected declaration of a food security emergency, the availability of rice to consumers will ultimately depend on local government units (LGUs)
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. explained that not all LGUs might immediately avail of NFA rice due to varying factors such as budget constraints or prior purchases. “It depends on which LGUs have the intent or funds to buy. Some have already purchased rice, while others may lack the budget,” he said.
The DA has received a resolution from the National Price Coordinating Council recommending the declaration of a food security emergency, which, once approved, will authorize the release of the NFA’s stored rice and allow the agency to begin purchasing rice from farmers in the upcoming harvest season.
“By Tuesday, we’ll likely declare the rice emergency. This will help reduce warehouse stock and allow farmers to sell their harvests as NFA will have space to store new supplies,” Tiu Laurel added.
The plan includes releasing 300,000 metric tons of rice over six months, which is expected to ease market supply and potentially lower rice prices. The DA aims to sell the rice to LGUs and government agencies at PHP 36 per kilo, with the goal of it reaching consumers at PHP 38 per kilo.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. previously noted that despite reductions in production costs, rice prices in the market remain high, emphasizing the need to stabilize the market. “We have to force that price down and ensure the market functions properly,” he stated.