NFA to sell 18,000 bags of rice to LGUs under food security program

Aims to lower rice prices in the markets to lower rice prices in the market

PALO,Leyte– The National Food Authority (NFA) in Eastern Visayas is set to sell 18,000 bags of rice to various local government units (LGUs) as part of the government’s food security emergency on rice program.

NFA Regional Manager May Sara Sabarre emphasized that LGUs participating in the program are strictly prohibited from using the rice for political purposes and must ensure it reaches the public at affordable prices.

While Eastern Visayas was not initially included in the pilot areas for the program, the NFA central office directed the region to implement the initiative starting February 15.

“So far, the local government units of Ormoc City, Baybay City, and Leyte province, along with some areas in Samar province, have expressed their intent to procure rice from NFA,” Sabarre said in an interview on Tuesday, February 4.

The following LGUs have committed to purchasing NFA rice were Ormoc City, Baybay City, and Leyte province at 3,000 bags each; and Samar province, including Catbalogan City and Calbayog City with total of 9,000 bags

The program will run for three months, aiming to help stabilize rice prices amid rising costs in the market.

The Marcos administration launched the food security emergency on rice program in response to soaring rice prices, ensuring that Filipinos have access to affordable rice. The initiative allows NFA to sell rice stocks to LGUs at a lower cost compared to commercial market prices.

“Under the agreement, LGUs are mandated to sell the rice to the general public to help regulate market prices and prevent political misuse,” Sabarre stressed.

With the May 12, 2025, general elections approaching, the directive aims to prevent rice distribution from being used for political gain.

Participating LGUs are required to sell NFA rice at P38 per kilogram, significantly lower than commercial rice, which can reach up to P58 per kilogram, depending on the variety.

The NFA in Eastern Visayas currently has 18,000 bags of rice available, along with 82,000 bags of unmilled palay, which, once milled, will produce over 72,000 bags of rice.

For 2025, the NFA aims to procure over 250,000 bags of palay from local farmers.

Last year, the agency exceeded its procurement target by acquiring 138,080 bags of palay, surpassing the initial goal of 110,000 bags.

NFA buys palay at P25 per kilogram if wet and P30 per kilogram, if dry.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)