National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Larry Lacson assured the public that the agency is prepared to release NFA rice to relief-giving institutions during emergencies and calamities, including during the holiday season.

Lacson made this statement in response to reports on the activity of Bulkang Kanlaon and the monitored forecasts on the intertropical convergence zone and rain showers affecting most parts of the country.

“We have instructed our employees in the field to immediately activate our Operation Centers in the areas affected by floods, typhoons, and other emergencies and to open their hotlines to fast-track coordination with our relief institutions. “We are in the holiday season now, but our office is always open to address the needs of our fellow citizens. Included in our service is the readiness to respond at any time of need,” he said.

NFA has intensified its palay buying strategies under the Price Range Scheme to meet the rice relief requests of the Department of Social Welfare and Development,  the Local Government Units and the Legislators for distribution to the affected families and individuals in calamity stricken areas.

The agency has accomplished 95 percent of its buffer stocking target this year. The current buffer stock is now 5.661 million bags of equivalent milled rice.

Lacson issued a standing order to its ranks to closely and continuously coordinate with the local farmers and the chief executives in their area for immediate response.