Manila: Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Thursday expressed dismay over Vice President Sara Duterte's remark regarding the quality of PHP20 per kilogram rice intended for sale in the Visayas region. This reaction followed the DA's announcement of a pilot sale for the affordable rice in the Visayas, with plans for a subsequent nationwide rollout.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tiu Laurel strongly refuted Duterte's comments, emphasizing that the National Food Authority (NFA) sources its rice from local farmers' palay (unhusked rice) procurement. He stated, "With all due respect to the Vice President, the Department of Agriculture family is deeply hurt by her suggestion that NFA rice to be sold is 'hindi pang tao, pang hayop (not for humans, but for animals)."

Tiu Laurel further clarified that labeling the NFA-distributed rice as animal feed undermines the efforts of millions of diligent farmers who ensure the rice's quality. He affirmed, "This is false." The agriculture chief expressed pride in the country's local rice, asserting its good quality and safe consumption.

"We are fully committed to delivering quality rice to our people. At the DA, we cook and eat NFA rice every day. We can personally vouch for its quality and safety," Tiu Laurel assured. Currently, the NFA holds 358,000 metric tons (MT) of rice stocks, which is sufficient for more than nine days, progressing towards the national rice buffer stock target of 15 days.

As for the PHP20/kg rice sale, the initiative will allow each family to purchase a maximum of 10 kilograms per week, totaling 40 kilograms monthly. The DA has yet to release further details regarding the program's official launch in collaboration with local government units.