As of May 26, some 57 markets were being monitored in Metro Manila alone by NFA personnel under the food agency’s Palengke Watch program.
From these markets, a total of 645 rice retailers were monitored including 73 Bigasan ni Gloria sa Palengke (BGP) and Targeted Rice Distribution Program (TRDP) outlets, 244 accredited individual rice retailers and 328 commercial rice outlets.
The monitoring teams were scattered in various districts of Metro Manila such as Quezon City, Manila, North, South and East districts.
Based on a report from the agency’s enforcement, investigation and prosecution department (EIPD), the prevailing price of commercial rice was P19 to P42 per kilogram. Meanwhile, NFA rice remains unchanged at P16 and P18 per kilogram for regular-milled (RMR) and well-milled rice (WMR), respectively.
The NFA monitoring teams are also on the look out for irregularities by unscrupulous traders such as overpricing and diversion of stocks. Violators face cancellation of their permits to operate.
For more information text NFA through mobile number 0917-6210927 or DA’s official website at www.da.gov.ph.