Food companies ramping up production for typhoon-hit areas

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) -  Food manufacturing companies are ramping up production of basic food items to ensure stable supply in the Philippines, particularly in typhoon-stricken areas, the Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers, Inc. (Food Chamber) announced today.

"This was the topic of a recent meeting wherein our members have all agreed to increase production. We just saw it fit to raise production as a safety measure," Chamber President Edith de Leon said in briefing today.

The 52-member group has already coordinated with the Philippine government wherein a nationwide price freeze on all basic food commodities was imposed Monday under the status of national calamity.

Members of the Food Chamber also agreed to step up efforts to bring food to affected areas as soon as possible, de Leon said.

Prior to the arrival of Typhoon Haiyan last week, food manufacturers have already positioned stocks at warehouses at critical sites for easier transport to affected provinces and towns.

Officials of the Philippines' Trade Department said while the supply of food in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and even Southern Philippine island of Mindanao was sufficient, there are difficulties in the delivery of food to affected areas due to damaged road networks.