Legazpi City: The National Food Authority in Bicol (NFA-5) has assured the public of sufficient rice supply to sustain the PHP20/kg rice program under the Benteng Bigas Meron Na (BBM) initiative of the Department of Agriculture (DA). In an interview, NFA-5 Assistant Regional Manager Julie Llenaresas reported that over 800,000 sacks of "palay" or unhusked rice are currently stored in various warehouses across the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, Llenaresas stated, "We have adequate buffer stocks because we have purchased enough palay from our local farmers. The public should know we have enough supplies for the PHP20 per kilogram rice program. We can support this initiative." She added that rice supply is expected to increase as farmers continue to sell their harvest to the agency.
Llenaresas noted that the 829,482 sacks of palay will last for one year, with additional supplies depending on whether any calamities occur. The agency is still actively purchasing palay from local farmers, and she expressed encouragement over the increasing number of farmers selling their products to the NFA.
In addition to the palay inventory, NFA Bicol currently holds a local rice inventory of 65,304 sacks. The buying price in Bicol for dry palay is PHP24/kg, while wet palay is priced at PHP18/kg. Llenaresas highlighted the importance of local sourcing for the BBM rice program and its benefits for both consumers and farmers.
She emphasized the government's aim to assist farmers in increasing their income while providing affordable and accessible agricultural products to the public. In a separate interview, DA-Bicol Regional Executive Director Rodel Tornilla confirmed ongoing support for farmers through the provision of high-quality seeds and fertilizer subsidies to ensure a good harvest and a steady supply of Benteng Bigas from the NFA.
Tornilla also reassured that there is enough rice supply in case of disasters or calamities and described the BBM rice program as a sustainable project that benefits vulnerable sectors as well as provides farmers with direct buyers for their produce.
