File photo of a National Food Authority (NFA) warehouse in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday (Jan. 16, 2025) said NFA rice, even those not yet aging, may be sold to local government units and government agencies in Metro Manila once a food security emergency for rice is declared. (Photo courtesy of NFA)
The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced Thursday that National Food Authority (NFA) rice stocks will be available for purchase by local government units (LGUs) and government agencies in Metro Manila starting February, following the anticipated declaration of a food security emergency for rice.
The National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) recently passed a resolution urging the DA to declare the emergency. Under this plan, NFA rice will be sold to LGUs, government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), and agencies such as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) at P36 per kilogram, allowing them to sell it to the public at P38 per kilogram.
DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. revealed that NFA currently holds nearly 300,000 metric tons of rice in its warehouses.
“Even newly procured rice, as long as it is milled, can be sold under the emergency declaration,” Laurel explained, emphasizing the urgency of making rice available to consumers.
The price could drop to P33 per kilogram by March, allowing LGUs to sell it to the public at P35 per kilogram.
Positive reception
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora welcomed the initiative, saying, “If we gain access to rice at these prices, many will be pleased. We’re waiting for the DA’s guidelines to ensure proper implementation.”
Currently, the Rice Tariffication Law permits NFA rice sales to the public only for aging stocks—those stored for three months or longer. These are distributed through the DA’s PHP29 program, which targets vulnerable sectors, including beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and solo parents.
Laurel stressed that the program aims to benefit consumers and support farmers, not to be exploited for political purposes, particularly with the upcoming midterm elections.
“The DA’s objective is to release stocks so we can procure more from farmers who urgently need to sell their palay [unhusked rice],” he said.
The NFA will buy palay between P21 and P23 per kilogram to maintain profitability for rice farmers. 2024, under a similar scheme, the agency achieved record palay procurement prices ranging from PHP17 to P23 per kilogram for fresh palay and P23 to P30 per kilogram for clean and dry palay.
This initiative is expected to help stabilize rice prices, support farmers and ensure affordable access to rice for Metro Manila residents. LGUs are urged to coordinate closely with the DA for smooth implementation.
