NFA ready to release extra rice for areas hit by Tropical Storm Kristine

The National Food Authority (NFA) assured its readiness to release additional rice to local government units (LGUs) affected by Tropical Storm Kristine and prepare for an incoming tropical depression.

Agriculture Chief Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. ordered the NFA on Friday to deliver extra rice above initial requests, citing ample supply due to aggressive palay buying from local farmers during the last harvest season.

NFA Administrator Larry Lacson activated all warehouses and instructed staff to be on alert in Region V, which is hardest-hit, with ongoing inspections in Valenzuela, Bulacan, and Tarlac.

Despite the impending storm, Lacson assured that there is enough stock nationwide for 6.5 days, equivalent to 4.3 million bags of NFA rice, while Kadiwa trucks are deployed to Camsur (Camarines Sur).

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has yet to determine the extent of damage but expects early harvesting and accelerated buying by the NFA to minimize overall impact.