NFA: Rice supply adequate in Ruby-hit areas

MANILA, Philippines – The National Food Authority (NFA) reiterated that the country has adequate rice supply in areas hit by Tropical Depression Ruby.

Rice supply is also sufficient for the rest of the country, NFA Administrator Renan Dalisay said Tuesday, December 9.

“As mandated, the NFA has 15 days buffer stock for the entire country and 17 days in critical areas like Regions 4, 5, and 8,” Dalisay said.

Dalisay also clarified that the NFA is not importing more rice this year, contrary to reports. “As for an importation next year, the NFA Council has yet to decide on that. We are in the middle of a calamity and the NFA is focused on delivering services to the victims of Ruby,” Dalisay stressed.

To date, the NFA has issued 70,000 bags of rice in areas hit by the typhoon (downgraded to tropical depression on Tuesday) through different government agenices, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development and local government units.

The NFA is mandated to secure the availability of staple grains in the event of natural or man-made calamities.

It should also be ready to position staple requirements within 48 hours of the occurrence of an emergency and restore or maintain within two weeks of the occurrence of a disaster the prices of staple grains at normal levels. – Rappler.com