Manila, Philippines – The National Food Authority (NFA) reported that their warehouses in various parts of the region, where the country’s rice reserves are stored, were not affected by the recent typhoons.
Based on the reports they received, minor repairs only in some warehouses are damaged typically limited to detached doors.
According to NFA Administrator Larry Lacson, Region V and Region VIII were among those reported to have slight damage to rice storage facilities, but he clarified that the stored unmilled rice was not affected.
In line with this, Lacson assured the public that the country has a sufficient rice buffer stock, totaling 446,000 metric tons, which can last for up to 12 days and is enough to supply Filipinos, especially in areas affected by the recent typhoons.
Meanwhile, the NFA has already started rice dispersal in some provinces, including Masbate.
The NFA also stated that they are ready to release rice from their warehouses should local government units request it in response to the ongoing effects of the typhoon.