Manila: The National Food Authority (NFA) has confirmed that two million bags of rice are available and ready for immediate distribution, as it continues to monitor and redistribute stocks daily to prevent shortages and oversupply.
According to Philippines News Agency, NFA Administrator Larry Lacson stated during a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview on PTV4 that the current buffer stock, if fully milled, would last for 10.3 days, equivalent to eight million bags of milled rice. Presently, the NFA has 2.6 million bags of milled rice, with 600,000 bags allocated for withdrawal by auction winners, leaving two million bags ready for distribution.
Lacson explained that the NFA employs controlled milling and rotates older stocks through auctions and the government's Benteng Bigas Meron Na program to maintain freshness and prevent wastage. The agency is also expediting milling processes to support the rollout of the PHP20 rice initiative.
The NFA is currently using its traditional monitoring system, as the digitalization program initiated in 2025 is set for completion in 2028. Regional offices, branch offices, and warehouses are required to report daily on stock releases and receipts.
Lacson emphasized that the NFA ensures rice distribution is balanced with emergency preparedness, taking into account potential disasters like volcanic eruptions and typhoons. The strategy involves maintaining stock levels to address both regular distribution and emergency responses.
He reassured the public of sufficient rice availability and advised against excessive queuing at Kadiwa or Benteng Bigas centers.
