Lawmakers propose declaring a rice emergency to address high rice prices. The move could allow the NFA to sell its buffer stock at flexible prices, aiming to stabilize the market and benefit consumers. The DA is also expanding its Rice-for-All program to offer cheaper rice through Kadiwa ng Pangulo kiosks.
Lawmakers' proposal to declare a rice emergency could address the persistently high rice prices despite government efforts to stabilize the price of the food staple, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA). If declaring a rice emergency allows us to sell NFA's (National Food Authority) nearly 6 million bags of rice at flexible prices to the public, then that’s definitely a good move,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. told reporters on Thursday.
Republic Act 12078, which amended the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), grants the DA secretary the authority to declare a food security emergency during supply shortages or extreme price fluctuations. This can be done upon recommendation of the National Price Coordination Council (NPCC). If such an emergency is declared, the NFA could sell its buffer stock to the public to tame rice prices. NFA Administrator Larry Lacson recently revealed during the recent Murang Pagkain Supercommittee hearing that the grains agency’s buffer stock currently stands at around 5.5 million 50-kilogram bags.“If we really want to tackle those exploiting certain rice brands, this is the best way to hit them where it hurts—their pockets,” he said. Meanwhile, the DA said it is expanding its Rice-for-All program which aims to offer cheaper rice prices to more consumers. The program now includes additional public markets and grocery outlets selling rice at P40 per kilo through Kadiwa ng Pangulo kiosks. Agriculture Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra, who oversees the Kadiwa program, reported that there is a total of 24 more locations of KNP kiosks. She also announced that WalterMart branches in Metro Manila will join the Rice-for-All program next wee
RICE PRICES RICE EMERGENCY NATIONAL FOOD AUTHORITY RICE TARIFICATION LAW RICE-FOR-ALL PROGRAM
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