Consumers can expect a stable rice supply as the National Food Authority (NFA) builds up its buffer stock to 7.17-million 50-kilogram bags of milled rice — enough to feed the entire population for nine days.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said Tuesday the stockpile allows the government to support vulnerable communities, possibly at prices lower than the P29-per-kilo subsidized rice sold through government-run programs.

“We continue to explore ways to better manage the NFA’s aging rice stocks, while ensuring that the most disadvantaged Filipinos receive the assistance they need,” Laurel said.

Despite the expanded inventory, NFA Administrator Larry Lacson assured local farmers that the agency remains ready to procure more paddy rice, or palay.