Manila: The National Food Authority (NFA) assured the public on Wednesday that it is prepared to release rice stocks in regions impacted by Severe Tropical Storm Crising, known internationally as Wipha, and the enhanced southwest monsoon, locally referred to as 'habagat.'
According to Philippines News Agency, this assurance comes despite earlier reports of flooding near NFA warehouses in Occidental Mindoro and Valenzuela. In a Viber message, NFA Administrator Larry Lacson confirmed that all rice stocks remain secure as warehouses across the nation have not been affected by the adverse weather conditions.
Lacson stated, "All secured. No damage reported. All personnel are ready to release stocks. All systems go." The NFA rice will be distributed to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Office of Civil Defense, and select local government units, among others.
A total of 39,780 50-kg bags of NFA rice have been allocated to areas affected by the enhanced habagat, Crising, Tropical Storm Dante, and Tropical Depression Emong. As of July 22, the highest volume of rice issuances was designated for Central Luzon with 31,680 bags, including 6,600 bags scheduled for release in Tarlac from Wednesday to Friday. Additional allocations will be made to Metro Manila, Bicol, Palawan, and Ramon town in Isabela.
