DA chief Tiu Laurel pushes high-quality NFA rice to counter criticism

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., who also chairs the NFA Council, aims to improve the perception of National Food Authority (NFA) rice by ensuring it meets high quality standards.

Tiu Laurel met with regional managers and key officials to emphasize that the P20-per-kilo subsidized rice program is an opportunity to demonstrate its affordability, taste, and nutritional value.

The DA chief stated that NFA rice should be seen as comparable or even superior to imported varieties in terms of quality.

Vice President Sara Duterte has criticized the program, suggesting concerns about the quality of the government-subsidized rice.

Malacañang warned against fake news regarding the subsidized rice program following a social media video alleging poor quality.

The NFA is increasing its fleet of trucks and expanding storage capacity to purchase more rice from local farmers in hard-to-reach areas, with over P9.8 billion available for palay procurement this year.

Consumers in the National Capital Region are requesting additional stocks under the government's subsidized rice program.