PCAFI Claims P29/kilo Rice for Vulnerable Groups Unsustainable; DA Stands Firm

A recent initiative to sell aging rice stocks at P29 per kilo to vulnerable sectors has been criticized as unsustainable by the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (PCAFI). However, the Department of Agriculture (DA) disagrees, asserting the program’s viability.

PCAFI’s Concerns

PCAFI President Danilo Fausto voiced concerns on Super Radyo dzBB, stating, “NFA cannot afford to sell its stock because it’s the rainy season already.” He emphasized that in the event of a calamity, the National Food Authority (NFA) might struggle to release its rice stocks. Fausto also warned that the “Bigas 29” program might give false impressions of sustainability unless the government subsidizes the losses.

DA’s Rebuttal

In response, DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra defended the program during the Saturday News Forum, saying, “We are seeing it to be sustainable not only for this year but also for the coming years.” She explained that the NFA’s regular rice procurement for buffer stocking could support the “Bigas 29” initiative by using aging stocks effectively.

Program Details

The large-scale trial for selling NFA’s aging rice stocks at P29 per kilo commenced on Friday at Kadiwa sites in Metro Manila and Bulacan. The program targets 4Ps beneficiaries, senior citizens, PWDs, and solo parents, with a limit of 10 kilos per household per month. For full implementation, the program will require about 69,000 metric tons of rice to serve 6.9 million vulnerable households.

Ongoing Efforts

The DA continues to assert the program’s sustainability and potential for future success, aiming to support vulnerable groups while managing aging rice stocks effectively.