Manila: The National Food Authority (NFA) announced that its rice milling activities have been intensified to support local palay (unhusked rice) farmers in the Soccsksargen region. This initiative is part of an emergency procurement program aimed at aiding farmers and ensuring the value of their harvests.
According to Philippines News Agency, the NFA has collaborated with rice millers to strengthen the milling initiative. NFA administrator Larry Lacson stated that the program is expected to benefit at least 1,100 palay farmers in Central Mindanao. Lacson emphasized that the initiative is more than just a procurement exercise, as it provides crucial support for farmers and ensures that their harvests have value.
The intensified milling activities will also help clear space in NFA warehouses, allowing for continued purchases from farmers, which is vital during challenging market conditions. Lacson highlighted that this support can significantly impact the financial outcomes for many small growers.
The NFA has engaged 15 rice mills for the emergency procurement milling services, with contracts valued at PHP48.5 million. These contracts involve processing more than 215,000 50-kilo bags of palay harvested across Soccsksargen. Six millers in North Cotabato, with a combined 12-hour milling capacity of 4,526 bags, have been awarded the majority of the contracts, covering around 161,841 bags. Additionally, six millers in Sultan Kudarat will handle 45,357 bags, and three millers in South Cotabato will process the remaining 7,965 bags.
From this initiative, approximately 133,251 bags of rice are expected to be produced for the government's rice buffer stock. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. noted that the NFA milling program aims to maintain palay procurement for farmers at favorable prices, which is essential for protecting livelihoods, strengthening food security, and ensuring that Filipino families have access to rice.
Tiu Laurel also expressed intentions to replicate the milling contract in other regions to further enhance support for palay farmers. He indicated that the emergency procurement milling initiative aligns with the administration's Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na program, which aims to bolster food security in the country.
