Manila: The National Food Authority (NFA) is optimistic that it can begin purchasing storm-damaged palay (unhusked rice) from local farmers within the month to help those affected by recent typhoons. NFA Administrator Larry Lacson said the agency is awaiting the completion of the Technical Working Group’s (TWG) review of the draft executive order on emergency palay procurement.

According to Philippines News Agency, ‘Ang target nila (Their target is) within the month. Sabi ko kasi dapat within the month kasi baka lumagpas, ma-overtake-an na naman tayo ng event, baka wala na tayong mahabol (I said that it must be within the month because we might be overtaken by another eventuality, making it difficult to catch up),’ Lacson said in an interview on Friday. ‘Gusto rin nating mamili sa mga na-damage para kahit paano makatulong tayo, pero wala pa ‘yung pondo (We also want to buy damaged palay to somehow aid our local farmers, but the fund is not yet available).’

The NFA earlier proposed a PHP3 billion budget for the program, which would cover logistics, operations, and warehouse rentals. Lacson clarified that storm-damaged palay will not be used for regular buffer stocking. Instead, it will be dried, milled, and disposed of immediately to preserve its quality.

Depending on the result, the rice may be auctioned or distributed to government programs, such as the PHP20-per-kg. ‘Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na’ initiative or relief operations of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). He added that storm-damaged palay would be purchased at PHP3 less than the current NFA buying price of PHP23 per kg. for clean and dry palay and PHP17 per kg. for fresh and wet palay.

Lacson assured that the NFA will maintain fair prices and prevent traders from driving rates down to ‘unreasonable’ single-digit levels.