NFA rice available on credit to Talisay

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City government can now purchase rice on credit from the National Food Authority (NFA).This after the city council approved a proposed resolution that authorizes Mayor Socrates Fernandez to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the NFA with regards to the implementation of the Rice Loan Program for calamity relief operations.

In a proposed resolution sponsored by Councilor Celiapo Cabuenas, chairman, committee on social welfare & services, pointed out that “the proposed Memo of Agreement to be entered into by and between the City Government of Talisay City and the National Food Authority defines the terms and conditions as regards the implementation of the Rice Loan Program.”

It also said “the proposed Rice Loan Program seeks to reinforce the local level’s task in providing basic social services to the populace at all times, particularly in times of calamities.”

“This Sanggunian finds the program to be beneficial to the city constituents as it will significantly provide rice for relief operations whenever a state of calamity is declared in the locality that may occur at any given time,” the resolution added.

Cabuenas said the NFA has acceded to the request of the city for a rice loan. 

Under the agreement, certain terms and conditions for withdrawal of rice and payment of stock shall be followed based on the NFA Consumers’ Price as indicated in the latest Selling Price Bulletin. 

LGUs can avail 5,000 bags for the provincial government, 2,000 bags for the city government and 1,000 bags for the municipal government, or the rice equivalent of their respective funds appropriated for the rice loan program. 

Rice loan intended for buffer stockpiling shall not exceed 10 percent of the maximum loanable quantity or 500 bags for provincial government, 200 bags for city government and 100 bags for municipal government.

The price of rice shall be based on the NFA consumer price as indicated in the latest selling price bulletin.

Rice purchased on credit under the agreement shall not be used for any other purpose other than as intended. 

NFA reserves the right to inspect LGU warehouses and or distribution, relief operation centers to determine compliance with the agreement.

The NFA shall not be under obligation to issue rice if the LGU has an outstanding account.

Last August 5, the city council declared seven barangays under state of calamity.

Barangays Poblacion, Cansojong, Dumlog, Pooc, Tangke, Biasong, and San Roque were hit by huge waves generated by typhoon Gener last July 30.

The calamity funds will be used to help 1,353 families living in the seven affected coastal barangays.   - THE FREEMAN