The National Food Authority, led by Administrator Larry R. Lacson, monitors milled rice prices at Cogon Market on March 28. Lacson noted that local retailers are adhering to the P49 per kilo maximum suggested retail price for imported rice set by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry to ensure rice remains affordable for consumers. (Photo: GDA/PIA-10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The National Food Authority (NFA) is intensifying efforts to support farmers and control rice prices under the Food Security Emergency declaration.
Issued by the Department of Agriculture in February, the declaration allows the NFA to sell rice at P33 per kilo to local government units (LGUs). This helps stabilize consumer prices while supporting local farmers.
“We have learned that the Cagayan de Oro City government has signified the intention to buy rice at this price, in aid of the Food Security Emergency declaration. We need this cooperation with the LGU so that we can let go of our stock, which then allows us to buy more palay from our farmers,” said NFA Administrator Larry R. Lacson during his visit on March 28.
Lacson also said that the NFA has increased its buying price for palay to ensure farmers receive a better deal. “What the NFA is doing now is we buy fresh palay for P18 per kilo, and clean and dried palay for P24 per kilo, just to make sure that palay farmers have the option to sell at a higher price,” he explained.
The NFA has also streamlined the process for farmers, setting up fast lanes and improving coordination with LGUs for hauling and facilitating market access. This system helps small farmers sell their produce quickly and benefit from higher prices.
During his visit, Lacson led a price monitoring activity at Cogon Market to ensure that retailers are complying with the P49 per kilo maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice.
“Alam natin na may ipinapatupad na MSRP ang Department of Agriculture, together with the Department of Trade and Industry, na P49 per kilo doon sa imported rice. We have seen dito sa Cagayan de Oro Cogon Market na mukhang compliant naman,” Lacson said.
(We know that the Department of Agriculture, together with the Department of Trade and Industry, is implementing an MSRP of P49 per kilo for imported rice. We have observed that the Cogon Market in Cagayan de Oro seems to be compliant with this.)
He added that the visit also served as an opportunity for the agency to continue its consultations with farmers and other key stakeholders to stay informed on market trends and address challenges as they arise. (GDA/PIA-10)
