The National Food Authority (NFA) has beefed up its rice buffer stock following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify palay procurement to support farmers and ensure the country’s staple supply is sufficient.

During the press briefing on Monday, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro mentioned that the NFA has a total rice inventory of 10.1 million bags of palay and 1.2 million bags of milled rice.

Castro pointed out that this figure is considered the highest since 2020 and is sufficient to cover the country’s 10-day rice consumption.

“Ayon kay NFA Administrator Larry Lacson, may natitirang 12 bilyong piso para sa patuloy na pagbili ng palay ngayong summer harvest,” Castro said.

The Palace Press Officer said the NFA is committed to continuously buying rice, benefiting farmers, and providing more affordable rice to the public.

“Dagdag pa ng NFA, ang tuluy-tuloy na pagbili ng palay ay hindi lamang para sa mga magsasaka, kung hindi para rin sa mga pagbibigay ng mas abot-kayang bigas sa mamamayan,” she added.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced last week the launch of the PhP20/kilo rice program, which will provide an affordable staple to millions of needy families.

The initiative will also help free up space in NFA warehouses, allowing the agency to purchase more palay from local farmers at higher prices.

Initially expected to run only until December 2025, the DA is now reviewing and fine-tuning the plan following the directive of President Marcos to expand the initiative nationwide and sustain it through 2028. | PND