DA to declare rice food security emergency Wednesday

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is expected to declare a food security emergency for rice on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.

DA spokesperson Arnel de Mesa said that Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. will take action following the approved resolution from the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC).

Under Republic Act 12078, Laurel has the authority to declare a food security emergency due to supply shortages or price increases.

The DA can sell National Food Authority (NFA) rice stocks at PHP36 per kilogram and up to PHP38/kg starting February 1st, free up space in NFA warehouses, and support local farmers through palay procurement for the upcoming harvest season.

To date, the NFA holds almost 300,000 metric tons of rice stocks available for sale to local government units and other government agencies.