50 LGUS TO GET RICE STOCKS NEXT WEEK FOLLOWING EMERGENCY DECLARATION

THE government may release rice stocks next week following the declaration of a food security emergency, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said Monday.

During a Palace press briefing, Tiu Laurel announced that more than 50 local government units (LGUs) had expressed their intention to procure the staple food following the declaration of a food security emergency by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The DA declared a food security emergency last week to stabilize the prices of basic commodities and ensure accessibility for millions of Filipino consumers.

“Nag-announce tayo ng food emergency last week, and sa ngayon ay marami nang LGUs ang nag-signify ng intent. Lumalabas kasi sa procedure, may documentation na kailangan na gawin,” Laurel said.

“Hopefully, matapos lahat ng documentation between FTI (Food Terminal Inc.), NFA (National Food Authority) to FTI, FTI to LGU, and by next week ay maro-roll out na hopefully iyan,” he added.

The food security emergency declaration regarding rice follows the recommendations of the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC).

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier said that a declaration of a food security emergency is necessary for the market to function effectively in light of rising rice prices despite a decline in global rice costs and tariff reductions implemented last year.

The declaration will allow the NFA to sell rice stocks to LGUs and other government agencies at a lower price, free up space in NFA warehouses, and help local farmers through palay procurement for the upcoming harvest season.