DA declares rice security emergency; NFA to sell at P33/kg

The Department of Agriculture declared a food security emergency for rice on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, to address extraordinary increases in local rice prices.

The National Food Authority (NFA) is authorized to release its buffer stocks to stabilize prices.

NFA rice will be sold at PHP33 per kilogram, a lower price than the initial target of PHP35 per kilo for local government units (LGUs) and other agencies, to fast-track release.

The DA, through the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), will be responsible for selling the NFA rice stocks.

The NFA needs to release at least 150,000 metric tons of well-milled rice stocks in the next six months, despite estimated losses of PHP12/kg to PHP15/kg.

LGUs in Metro Manila and Cavite have already expressed interest in securing NFA rice stock allocations, with NFA sending out 53 letters to ascertain participation.

NFA rice stocks will be available in Kadiwa ng Pangulo centers and kiosks in Metro Manila until the second week of February.