NFA ready to release buffer stock rice in case of calamities despite holidays

The National Food Authority (NFA) on Saturday assured the public that it has sufficient rice buffer stocks to cover the requirements of relief agencies in the event of emergencies despite the holidays. 

The NFA issued the statement following reports of the activity of Kanlaon Volcano and the monitored forecasts on intertropical convergence and rainshowers in most parts of the country.

"We have instructed our employees in the field to immediately activate our Operation Centers (OpCen) in the areas affected by floods, typhoons, and other emergencies and to open their hotlines to fast track coordination with our relief institutions," said NFA Administrator Larry Lacson.

"Holiday season tayo ngayon ngunit ang aming tanggapan ay laging bukas upang tugunan ang pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan. Kasama sa ating pagseserbisyo ang kahandaan sa anumang oras ngpangangailangan,” he added.

The NFA also said that it has intensified its palay buying strategies under the Price Range Scheme (PRICERS) to meet the rice relief requests of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Local Government Units (LGUs), and the Legislators for distribution to the affected families and individuals in calamity stricken areas.

The NFA also empphasized that it has accomplished 95% of its buffer stocking target this year. The grains agency said its current buffer stock is now 5.661 million bags of equivalent milled rice. 

—Ted Cordero/ VAL, GMA Integrated News