NFA Yet to Release Buffer Stocks Despite Food Security Emergency

The National Food Authority (NFA) has confirmed that it has not yet released any rice stocks following the food security emergency declaration earlier this week.

Why the Delay?

In an interview with Super Radyo dzBB, NFA Administrator Larry Lacson stated:

📌 “For now, there have been no reports yet that NFA rice was released after the declaration.”

The food security emergency was declared on February 3 by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., allowing the NFA to sell buffer stocks to help stabilize rice prices.

Rice Stocks Ready for Release

🛒 730,000 sacks of milled rice are ready for distribution nationwide
💰 Target selling price: ₱35 per kilo, among the cheapest available
🏛 Distribution through Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) and local government units (LGUs)

However, Lacson noted that LGUs are still finalizing processes, which may be causing the delay in rice procurement and distribution.

Government’s Goal

The move aims to bring down rice prices to pre-2023 spike levels, ensuring affordability for Filipino consumers.