NFA intensifies help for typhoon victims

MANILA, Philippines - The National Food Authority (NFA) has assured the victims of Typhoon Yolanda that it is committed to perform its primary mandate of ensuring a steady and sufficient supply of rice under the country’s food security program, especially during calamities and emergency situations.

In a statement, NFA Administrator Orlan Calayag said they are closely coordinating with various private and government agencies engaged in relief operations and distribution, as they explore ways in further assisting and hastening the recovery of the victims.

As of Dec. 4, the NFA, according to records, had released a total of 811,346 sacks of rice that were distributed to various agencies and offices, private groups and local government units (LGUs) engaged in relief operations and distribution.

Of this number, 408,274 sacks of rice were given to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), 200,000 sacks to the World Food Program, 131,670 sacks to LGUs, 3,269 sacks to the Philippine Red Cross, and 68,132 sacks to various private groups and NGOs.

Calayag said the NFA is committed to ensuring the steady supply of rice and food security in typhoon-ravaged areas until the situation returns to normal.

In the past months, the NFA has helped ensure calm and order following a number of natural calamities and man-made disasters that befell various areas of the country.

During the siege by Moro National Liberation Front rebels in Zamboanga City, the agency’s immediate action to release tens of thousands of sacks of rice ensured that the more than 105,000 residents affected by the siege could eat three square meals a day in evacuation centers.

The NFA also played a vital role after Bohol, Cebu and other provinces were hit by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake last October.