The National Food Authority (NFA) expressed optimism Sunday over the success of its Rice for All program, which continues to gain momentum nationwide.

In a radio interview, NFA Administrator Larry Lacson said the program is performing well in several regions, citing Cebu as a key example.

Lacson said that in the Visayan province, six municipalities have already withdrawn rice supplies. About 12,000 bags have been distributed so far, and reorders are expected soon.

He added that newly appointed local officials in Cebu have committed to supporting the program’s continuation.

Meanwhile, in Metro Manila, over 5,000 bags of rice have been distributed to around 32 Kadiwa outlets. By next month, that number is expected to rise to 55 participating outlets.

Phase two of the Bente Bigas initiative is set to begin in July, targeting areas with high poverty incidence. These include Zamboanga del Norte — where the poverty rate stands at 37.7 percent — as well as Basilan, Cotabato City, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Davao Oriental, and Sorsogon.

Phase three will follow in September, expanding the program to Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Norte, Catanduanes, Agusan del Sur, Sarangani, and Dinagat Islands.

The first phase is already underway in parts of Negros Island, as well as Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas.

Lacson reported that approximately 1.4 million bags of rice are currently available nationwide. He also assured the public that the NFA will continue procuring palay (unhusked rice) from local farmers.

From January to the present, the NFA has purchased 4.6 million bags of palay, exceeding its target of 3.6 million bags for the period.

Lacson added that the agency is confident the low-cost rice supply can be sustained until December.

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@⁨Larry Tribune⁩