Related News

Workers attend to their merchandise as people buy from rice retailers at the Pasig Public Market in Pasig City on January 16, 2025. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The National Food Authority (NFA) is expected to roll out cheaper rice to more than 50 local government units next week, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Monday.

The statement comes a week after the national government declared a food security emergency on rice citing the “extraordinary” hike in the price of the staple grain.

“May documentation kasi na kailangan gawin between NFA to FTI (Food Terminal Incorporated), then FTI to LGU (local government unit),” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said.

“Next week hopefully maro-roll out na po yan,” he said.

The following areas have signified an intent to avail of cheaper rice from the NFA.

NCR

- Navotas

- San Juan

REGION 4

- GMA, Cavite

- Cainta

- Taytay

- Batangas City

- Calamba City

- San Jose

- Calapan City

- Puerto Princes City

REGION 5

- Naga City

- Masbate City

- Pilar

- Sorsogon

REGION 6

- Iloilo City

- Escalante City

- Victorias City

- Silay City

- EB Magalona

- Talisay City

- Manapis

- Cadiz City

- Sagay City

- Taboso

- Calatrava

- San Carlos City

- Bacilod City

- Valladolid

- San Enrique

- Pontevedra

- Hinigaran

- Binalbagan

- Himamaylan

REGION 7

- Cebu

REGION 9

Zamboanga del Norte

- Dipolog

- Sibuco

- Labason

Zamboanga del Sur

- Dimataling

- Dumingag

Zamboanga Sibugay

- Siay

- Naga

- Buug

- Imelda

REGION 11

- Mati City

Under Republic Act No. 12078, a recent amendment to the Rice Tariffication Law, the agriculture secretary can declare a food security emergency in response to extraordinary price increases.

This allows the DA chief to direct the National Food Authority to release buffer stocks to government agencies, local government units, and the KADIWA ng Pangulo program, to stabilize rice prices and protect consumers from further price hikes.

Source : msn