SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) — The National Food Authority (NFA) in Occidental Mindoro is now prepared to send 80,000 bags of rice to the Visayas in support of the Department of Agriculture’s ₱20 per kilo rice program.
According to NFA Occidental Mindoro Branch Manager Elimar Regindin, this quantity is part of the more than 100,000 bags of rice requested by NFA Administrator Larry del Rosario Lacson.
“Iyong 80,000 bags, bigas na yun at meron pa tayong gigilinging 550,000 bags ng palay na more or less ay makaka-produce ng 350,000 bags ng bigas,” said Regindin, adding that currently, the rice is undergoing a 10-day fumigation treatment to eliminate any pests.
He assured the public that even after fumigation, the rice remains safe for consumption.
Regindin also highlighted that the rice provided by the NFA is well-milled and of high quality, as the agency imposes specific standards when buying palay, ensuring good rice output.
Meanwhile, he shared that they are still waiting for the necessary guidelines, policies and documents related to the shipment of the rice to the Visayas. Coordination is ongoing between the NFA Regional Office and the shipping contractor responsible for transporting the rice via barge.
He also expressed confidence that, with the national and local governments working together, the ₱20 per kilo rice program could be implemented in other areas of the country as well.
“Ang NFA naman ay parating naka-suporta at handang magbigay-serbisyo. Katunayan, bukod sa ipapadalang bigas sa Visayas, may nakalaan na ring palay para sa iba pang lugar tulad ng Batangas at lalawigan ng Quezon, sakaling kailanganin,” Regindin said.
The shipment of rice from Mindoro to the Visayas follows the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to the Department of Agriculture.
President Marcos has also ordered the DA to expand and continue the sale of rice at ₱20 per kilo across the country until 2028. (VND/AS/PIA MIMAROPA–Occidental Mindoro)
