Manila: The National Food Authority (NFA) is targeting to achieve 100 percent drying capacity for the country's rice buffer stock by December 2026. This ambitious target marks a significant increase from the current 12 percent drying capacity for procured palay, or unhusked rice.

According to Philippines News Agency, NFA Administrator Larry Lacson expressed confidence that the goal is achievable by the set deadline. He stated, "We will be 100 percent capacity, meaning kaya na naming tuyuin 'yung bibilhin na namin na target (we can dry the palay that we are targeting to buy). We're filling up the 88 percent difference through this modernization," during a recent interview at the launch of a tonnage bag system in Nueva Ecija.

The NFA plans to procure 900,000 metric tons (MT) of palay from local farmers. This procurement is expected to be sufficient to maintain a 15-day national rice buffer stock, ensuring readiness for emergencies and calamities.

Lacson also mentioned that several modernized rice processing centers are being prepared for inauguration starting mid-2026, with all sites anticipated to be operational before the end of that year. He stated, "Mag-uumpisa tayong mag-inaugurate by the middle of next year, and we will finish all sites by year-end."

This initiative is part of the government's comprehensive strategy to bolster food security and minimize post-harvest losses, providing a more resilient supply chain for one of the country's staple foods.