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Gov’t tackles steps to maintain sufficient rice buffer stock
MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Jr. on Tuesday met with his economic team and officials of the National Food Authority (NFA) to discuss steps to ensure the adequate supply of rice in the country.
“President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. meets with his economic team and the National Food Authority officials to plan the administration’s steps on maintaining sufficient rice buffer stock in the country,” the Office of the President said on its official Facebook page.
Marcos heads the Department of Agriculture (DA) and chairs the NFA Council.
In his first month as President and agriculture chief, Marcos gave a marching order to boost production of rice, corn, vegetables, pork, and poultry.
He also called for the review of the rice tariffication law and how it affected local farmers.
Marcos said his administration has increased the provision for buffer stock capacity from 9 days to 15 days under the proposed PHP5.268-trillion national budget for 2023.
The government has allocated PHP12 billion for the NFA’s Buffer Stocking Program to procure 631.579 million metric tons (MT) of palay from local farmers.
“There is also an allocation of PHP670 billion for the purchase of high-quality rice and corn seeds for seed buffer stocking under the DA,” he said in his budget message.
He said this will ensure that there is enough supply of these seeds to be used during calamities and emergencies affecting rice and corn productions.
More officials sworn in
Meanwhile, Marcos on Tuesday also administered the oath of office of new government officials from the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO), Government Owned or Controlled Corporation (GOCC), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa pagtanggap nila sa hamong kaakibat ng paglilingkod sa bayan. Inaasahan natin ang kanilang tapat na serbisyo sa sambayanang Pilipino (We thank them for accepting the challenge of serving the people. We look forward to their faithful service to the Filipino people),” Marcos said in a post in his official Facebook page.