By JON VIKTOR D. CABUENAS, GMA Integrated News

The National Food Authority (NFA) is looking to distribute some 150,000 metric tons (MT) of rice from its buffer stock once a national food security emergency is declared, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Wednesday.

According to the DA, the NFA plans to release around 3 million 50-kilogram bags of rice over six months, prioritizing areas with elevated rice prices. It is also set to procure palay at P23 per kilo in the coming months, with the rice harvest season starting mid-February.

“This monthly release of approximately 30,000 metric tons will alleviate high rice prices and prepare NFA warehouses for the upcoming palay procurement season,” NFA administrator Larry Lacson was quoted as saying in the DA statement.

Under its mandate, the NFA is tasked to maintain a 15-day rice buffer stock to be sourced mainly from local farmers.

Monitoring of the DA shows that prices of rice ranged from P41.65 per kilo to P59.18 per kilo in Metro Manila markets from January 20 to 25, 2025, even as the government last year slashed tariffs on imported rice to 15% from 35% previously.

This comes as a national food security emergency is expected to be declared this week, as prices of rice remain high. The DA earlier expected this to be declared on January 22, but this did not push through.

To recall, the National Price Coordinating Council approved a resolution urging the DA to declare a food security emergency for rice given the prevailing prices.

The DA earlier this month already announced a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) of P58 per kilo for premium imported rice, with the possibility of having this lowered by next month should global trends dictate any adjustments.

Importation of goat, sheep

In a separate statement, the DA said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel also approved the importation of 1,520 breeder goats and 4,310 sheep to help improve the genetic quality of local livestock, and restock local herds primarily in Mindanao.

The goats will include 155 Anglo Nubian bucks, 175 Boer bucks, and 1,190 Boer does that will be distributed to nucleus and multiplier farms in Barili, Cebu, and Makilala, North Cotabato. The sheep will include 260 Dorper rams and 4,050 Dorper ewes that will be distributed in Northern Cotabato.

“This importation is part of ongoing efforts to boost the Philippines’ livestock industry, ensuring better quality herds and more sustainable meat production in the future,” the DA said.

“Raising small ruminants such as goats and sheep could supplement farmers income, generate employment, and support food security efforts,” it added. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News

Published Date: January 29, 2025