NFA says rice supply stable
CEBU, Philippines - The National Food Authority-7 assured that we have an adequate supply of rice, as it promotes its I-Rice program which is seen as a solution to combat the growing malnutrition in the country.
NFA information officer Lucy Rosales said during the forum of the Association of Government Information Officers yesterday that, to date, Central Visayas has a buffer stock of 1.4 million bags of rice.
Rosales said that the said figure, excluding commercial rice is expected to last between five to six months.
Rosales said that NFA has also scheduled rice importation before the stocks will be totally consumed.
“So far, we have an adequate rice supply. We have nothing to worry,” Rosales said.
The I-Rice program, which was launched by NFA, seeks to lessen if not totally eliminate malnutrition in the country, particularly iron-deficiency anemia, through the introduction of iron-fortified rice.
The program is particularly focused on sectors mostly susceptible to iron-micronutrient deficiency which includes nursing mothers, pregnant women and young children.
The implementation of I-Rice program is also in compliance to Republic Act 8978 that calls for the mandatory fortification of staples such as rice, flour, cooking oil and refined sugar. – (FREEMAN)
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