Manila, Philippines — Amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which is affecting rising global oil prices.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) assures the public that there is still an adequate supply of rice across the country, despite the undeniable effects on the cost of farm inputs for farmers.
According to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Laurel Tiu Jr., most warehouses of the National Food Authority (NFA) remain well-stocked with rice, so there is no need to worry about the supply for the entire year.
If any problems arise, the Philippines may import rice from Vietnam and India.
However, this is only an option, and the government still prioritizes purchasing rice from local farmers.
At present, as support for the sector, the DA is prepared to release an additional ₱20 billion in assistance for farm inputs and ₱10 billion for fisherfolk.
These funds will be used to further strengthen production and livelihoods, as well as to ease the impact of high costs in the sector.
Meanwhile, the Department denied circulating claims that imported rice is being used in the government’s ₱20 rice program.
According to Tiu, this is not true, and only rice purchased by the NFA from local farmers is being sold under the program.
The DA continues to roll out the Benteng Bigas Meron Na in various parts of the country to help reduce the burden of high expenses for Filipinos, despite the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
The DA is also set to release ₱10 billion under the Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAFF), which will benefit more than 4.1 million farmers and fisherfolk.