NFA told to prioritize rice production over importation
(INQUIRER file photo MARK ALVIC ESPLANA)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday ordered the National Food Authority (NFA) to prioritize rice production over importation.
According to state-run media outlet Radio Television Malacañang, Marcos met with officials from the NFA, Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine International Trading Corporation, and the Department of Agriculture.
“NFA Administrator Roderico Bioco reports on the measures being undertaken in ensuring efficient supply of rice in the country. The President instructs the Agency to continue exploring other ways in prioritizing rice production other than importation, such as contract farming and other means that will guarantee an increase in the NFA’s volume production,” said the NFA.
The Palace also said that Marcos received a report from DA Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban saying that rice output from January to June 2023 was 9 million metric tons.
The rice output during the same period in 2022 and 2021 was 8.7 million metric tons.
Marcos called the growth “excellent news.”
The NFA had previously reported however, that rice stockpile had fallen short of the inventory requirements to help the Philippines through emergencies or calamities.
