MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) started releasing rice stocks from the National Food Authority (NFA) to local government units (LGUs) on Wednesday as part of its measures to stabilize prices of the staple after the declaration of a food security emergency on rice.
In a ceremony at the NFA warehouse in Valenzuela City, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. handed over rice supplies to San Juan City Mayor Francisco Javier Zamora, who is also the president of the Metro Manila Council.
The DA plans to release 150,000 metric tons (MT) or 25,000 MT of its rice stocks per month to local government units (LGUs) and other government offices for the next six months. However, the NFA said adjustments such as increases in volume could be made if needed.
"This is just the beginning. We expect more local government units to participate in this effort, which will benefit not only Filipino consumers but also rice farmers," said Tiu Laurel, who is also the chairman of the NFA Council.
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