Dumaguete: The National Food Authority (NFA) in Negros Oriental assured on Saturday that it has enough rice buffer stocks for the province in case of emergency or disasters. Emily Diputado, NFA-Negros Oriental OIC branch manager, said in an interview that the special rollout for the PHP20 per kg. rice program held here has not affected the province's buffer stocks.

According to Philippines News Agency, Diputado mentioned that the current stock comprises 10,000 bags of rice, which is sufficient for a seven-day period. She added that additional buffer stock is expected to arrive from Cebu, though the quantity was not disclosed.

Diputado expressed confidence that there is no cause for concern regarding the depletion of buffer stocks, as rice can be readily procured from adjacent provinces or areas if necessary. The existing buffer stock is stored at the NFA's warehouse in Barangay Pulantubig, with plans to transfer the supply to a newly renovated warehouse in Guihulngan City, located north of the capital.

During the "Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat para sa Lahat" event at the Negros Oriental State University gymnasium, the NFA distributed 150 bags of rice as part of a special rollout. The rice provided for this event was sourced from local farmers in Canlaon City, Ayungon, Bayawan City, and other parts of Negros Oriental, as stated by Diputado.