Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced plans to declare a food security emergency for rice in the first week of February. This decision follows a brief delay in receiving the official resolution from the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC).

According to Philippines News Agency, DA Spokesperson Arnel de Mesa stated that the department anticipates receiving the resolution from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) within two working days. Post-receipt, the DA will conduct due diligence, and the declaration will follow shortly thereafter. This follows DTI’s commitment during a House Quinta committee hearing to release the resolution promptly.

Under the proposed food security emergency, the National Food Authority (NFA) will be authorized to sell rice stocks, regardless of their aging status, to local government units (LGUs), government agencies, and government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCC) at a price of PHP36 per kilogram. Consumers will then be able to purchase this rice for up to PHP38 per kilogram.

The initiative aims to clear NFA warehouse space for new rice stocks and support local farmers through the agency’s palay procurement program during the upcoming harvest season. De Mesa assured that the NFA is well-prepared to manage the disposal of its rice stock.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. highlighted plans to distribute NFA rice nationwide, particularly in LGUs located near NFA warehouses. LGUs can begin reserving their rice allocations, which will be available for delivery starting either on February 7 or 15. Target areas for initial NFA rice sales include Metro Manila, Laguna, and the provinces of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, with potential distribution to Cebu.

De Mesa also mentioned that the release of new palay procurement under the expanded 15-day national buffer stock might necessitate another food security emergency declaration. He suggested reinstating the NFA’s market intervention capabilities to allow regular rice purchases without the need for an emergency declaration.