The National Food Authority (NFA) has mobilized truckloads of rice to storm‑ravaged Masbate—one of multiple relief measures ordered by Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr.—to alleviate the suffering of tens of thousands of families hit by Severe Tropical Storm Opong over the weekend.

“For one month in Masbate, starting Tuesday, we will be selling ₱20 rice to all households—up to 30 kilos—to immediately help our fellow Filipinos who are in dire need of stable, affordable food,” Secretary Tiu Laurel announced Monday.

This intervention leverages Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!, the flagship food‑assistance program of President Marcos Jr., which provides up to 10 kilograms of rice per household monthly to vulnerable sectors—solo parents, senior citizens, farmers and fishers, persons with disabilities, indigents, transport workers, and minimum wage earners.

In Masbate—an island province heavily reliant on agriculture, fisheries, and livestock—an estimated 70,000 householdswere affected by Opong, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Beyond making the P20 rice accessible in Masbate, the DA has also issued a price freeze on basic agricultural goods following Masbate’s declaration of a state of calamity. The freeze covers local and imported rice, pork, poultry, eggs, fish, cooking oil, onions, and garlic.

The DA warned that violations of the price freeze could trigger penalties under the Price Act—including fines or revocation of business permits.

To bolster supply, NFA Administrator Larry Lacson confirmed that rice shipments are being ramped up in Masbate and other storm‑impacted areas. He noted that 2.4 million bags of rice are earmarked for calamity response, drawn from existing buffer stocks equivalent to 8.9 million bags.

Meanwhile, Secretary Tiu Laurel said the DA is currently assessing Opong’s damage to determine support for affected farmers and fishers—including inputs, indemnities, and other financial aid. 

(By DA – OSEC Comms & photo by NFA Region V)

Published Date: October 1, 2025