by: Jerome Carlo Paunan
MANILA, (PIA) — Filipinos can expect stable access to rice this Christmas season, despite the recent typhoons that have impacted the country’s agricultural lands, National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Administrator Engr. Eduardo Guillen announced.
During a recent media briefing, Guillen provided updates on the Philippines’ rice supply as the holiday season approaches.
“Not really. Based on my meeting with Sec. Kiko (Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.), we’re okay,” he responded when asked about potential supply issues.
Guillen reassured the public that the Department of Agriculture (DA) is closely monitoring rice supply levels to ensure there will be no shortages. He emphasized that the DA is well-informed about the necessary rice imports for the upcoming season.
The impact of Typhoons Kristine and Leon has been significant, causing nearly P7 billion in damage to agricultural production and affecting 171,080 farmers and fisherfolk. However, Guillen remains confident in the stability of rice availability.
He also highlighted the ongoing availability of P29 rice at “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” centers for qualified beneficiaries.
“In fact, we are asking our neighboring communities not to line up because as long as they are qualified, they will be given access to the rice,” he explained.
Qualified beneficiaries include marginalized Filipinos, such as members of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), persons with disabilities (PWDs), single parents, and senior citizens.
The P29 Rice-for-All program was launched in selected Kadiwa centers in August to fulfill President Marcos’ vision of ensuring affordable food access for all Filipinos.
As of September, 447 Kadiwa stores and mobile sites are operational across various regions, serving as part of the government’s initiative to modernize the agricultural sector.
Additionally, the National Food Authority (NFA) has procured 6,472,299 bags of palay from January to October 2024, achieving 72.65 percent of its annual target of 8,908,860 bags. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
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