Manila: The National Food Authority (NFA) announced ongoing reforms focusing on workforce expansion and maintaining discipline within the agency. NFA Administrator Larry Lacson emphasized efforts to enhance management for better service to Filipino farmers and consumers.

According to Philippines News Agency, the NFA recently filed a plunder and malversation case against an employee with the Office of the Ombudsman, linked to unaccounted palay stocks accumulated since 2020. Lacson noted an ongoing investigation and stressed the importance of upholding accountability within the agency.

Lacson recounted previous charges against two NFA personnel in 2025, which led to a denial of bail. In 2024, Lacson assumed leadership of the NFA following the preventive suspension of 139 officials and employees due to alleged improper rice buffer stock sales. The Office of the Ombudsman later lifted the suspension for some personnel, citing erroneous data from the Department of Agriculture.

Lacson highlighted workforce expansion through hiring and promotion as vital to strengthening the agency, alongside reforms in NFA processes such as overhauling standard operating procedures, particularly in palay procurement and milling. He also mentioned plans to modernize infrastructure and address farmers' complaints and suggestions.

For 2026, the NFA has a budget of approximately PHP2.1 billion for palay processing, PHP80 million for warehouse expenses, and PHP35 million for dryers. Additionally, the agency received PHP9 billion for palay procurement to secure the national rice buffer stock and support Filipino farmers.