Government assures public of stable rice supply

MANILA, Philippines — The government has assured the public that there is enough supply of the country’s main staple amid the increasing cases of coronavirus.

The National Food Authority (NFA) said it has sufficient rice inventory in the National Capital Region even in case of an emergency situation or possible lockdown due to COVID-19.

NFA administrator Judy Dansal said there are 455,000 bags of rice in Metro Manila which is good for 40 days.

“Of course, there are still rice stocks in the households and the commercial sector, which comprise the great portion of rice stocks in the market,” she said.

The continuing transfer of 2.22 million bags of rice to NCR from the nearby rice-producing regions is also being fast-tracked.

This is to ensure the rice sufficiency level of NCR at all times. NCR will receive rice from Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon.

NFA has an inventory of 9.63 million bags of rice which are stored in different strategically located warehouses nationwide.

Under the law, NFA is mandated to maintain a sufficient level of rice buffer stocks to be  sourced locally, intended primarily for emergency or calamity operations.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture is crafting an action plan on food availability and supply as a preemptive intervention in case the situation worsens.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar has ordered the strategic positioning of food supplies, including rice, to ensure food sufficiency should COVID-19 disrupt food supply in Metro Manila.

“You have to look at various scenarios. Let us plan proactively and food supply will always be one of those that needs to be properly managed,” Dar said.

Aside from rice, DAR said basic commodities including vegetables, fruits, eggs, fish, and pork, should also be pre-positioned and be available for immediate deployment to the public.

“We are anticipating something that might cause the disruption of food supply. Strategically positioning means ensuring that supply is available and enough,” he said.