By: Luisa Cabato – Reporter

MANILA, Philippines — The National Food Authority (NFA) may release rice stocks next week following the declaration of a food security emergency, according to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

In a Palace briefing on Monday, Laurel said more than 50 local government units from Regions 4, 5, 6, 8, and Metro Manila already signified intent to procure rice from the NFA.

“As of now, many LGUs have signified their intent, but based on the procedure, there is documentation that needs to be done,” he said in Filipino.

“Hopefully, we will complete all the documentation between FTI (Food Terminal Inc.) and NFA [and] FTI to LGU, and by next week that will be hopefully rolled out,” he added.

The food security emergency was declared last February 4 due to the “extraordinary increase in rice prices,” despite efforts to lower them.

Under the declaration, LGUs and Kadiwa Centers may procure rice stocks from NFA warehouses and sell them at the minimum price of P35 per kilo.

The measure was also taken to create space in NFA warehouses for this February’s upcoming harvest.

Published Date: February 10, 2025