Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Monday that a food security emergency for rice could be declared on January 22. This follows the approval of a resolution by the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) last week. The decision is aimed at addressing the escalating retail prices of rice in the country.

According to Philippines News Agency, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa stated in an interview that Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. is expected to take action on the declaration by Wednesday. Tiu Laurel has indicated the likelihood of declaring a food security emergency to facilitate the release of rice stocks from the National Food Authority (NFA).

De Mesa mentioned that the review process of the resolution is ongoing and will continue until Tuesday. Under the proposed emergency, the DA will be able to sell NFA rice stocks to local government units (LGUs) and other government agencies for PHP36 per kilogram, with a potential selling price of up to PHP38 per kilogram starting February 1. This initiative aims to free up space in NFA warehouses and assist local farmers through the procurement of palay (unhusked rice) for the upcoming harvest season.

The sale of NFA rice is expected to complement other government efforts to stabilize rice prices, given the NFA’s record-high palay procurement last year. Currently, the NFA holds nearly 300,000 metric tons of rice stocks, which are available for sale to LGUs and other government entities such as the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and government-owned and controlled corporations.