Laoag City:Ilocos Norte The National Food Authority (NFA) has announced an increase in the buying price for clean and dry palay (unhusked rice) to PHP30 per kilogram in Ilocos Norte. This measure aims to boost farmers' income amidst rising production costs and motivate more rice growers to sell their harvest to the government.
According to Philippines News Agency, the new procurement price is effective from October 19 to 25, 2026, and applies to the NFA's buying stations in Candon City and the municipality of Santa in Ilocos Sur. It also covers the warehouses located in Barangay Saludares, Dingras, and Sta. Joaquina in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
The NFA-Ilocos Norte stated that this initiative is part of their efforts to enhance local rice production, provide better returns to farmers, and maintain adequate rice buffer stocks for food security and emergency response. The government hopes that by offering competitive prices, more farmers will choose to sell their produce to the NFA instead of private traders.
In addition to supporting farmers, the NFA's procurement program aims to replenish government rice reserves, which are crucial for distribution during emergencies and other situations requiring food assistance. The agency has also introduced a purchase order system that enables farmers to arrange sales with the NFA before their actual harvest, facilitating better procurement planning. A fast-lane system for small farmers is also in place to streamline transactions.
Acting branch manager Shoreen Maglinong emphasized that based on instructions from the central office, the buying price for palay should not be lower than PHP30 per kilo. Through these efforts, the NFA aims to support farmers' livelihoods, strengthen government rice reserves, and contribute to the country's food security.
Currently, the NFA Ilocos Norte reports having a sufficient stockpile of rice, with over 30,000 bags allocated for the Benteng Bigas Meron Na (BBM) program and approximately 34,000 bags ready for dispatch in case of calamity.
