NFA assures enough supply of rice, denies reports of another importation this year

Tabaco City, Albay: As of December 7, 2014, 11:21 a,m., a total off 184 sacks of Rice from NFA Tabaco were hauled, transported, and distributed by units to the city’s thirteen barangays. (Photo via Naval Forces – Southern Luzon)

MANILA — The head of the National Food Authority (NFA) on Tuesday asserted that the government will not be importing any more rice this year as the country has enough supply of the staple despite the effects of Typhoon Ruby.

NFA administrator Renan Dalisay said that the food agency is not importing more rice this year contrary to reports that another 600,000 metric tons of rice will be imported.

“The country has enough supply of rice, especially in areas hit by typhoon Ruby. As mandated, the NFA has 15 days buffer stock for the entire country and 17 days in critical areas like Regions 4, 5, and 8,” Dalisay said.

His assertions were made after the issue of another importation was reported in the media after the typhoon battered the country.

“It is clear that there will be no more rice importation for this year. As for an importation next year, the NFA Council has yet to decide on that.

We are in the middle of a calamity and the NFA is focused on delivering services to the victims of Typhoon Ruby,” Dalisay said.

Currently, the NFA has issued 70,000 bags of rice in areas hit by the typhoon through different government institutions including the Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD) and concerned local government units among others.