The Department of Agriculture and the National Food Authority on Monday reopened a rehabilitated warehouse in Malolos, Bulacan, signaling a renewed push to secure rice stocks and protect farmers from exploitative trading practices.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. led the inauguration of the 2,400-square-meter facility, which had not undergone major repairs since it was built in 1979.

The warehouse can now accommodate up to 70,000 bags of palay or rice, following a P10.4 million upgrade that included improved ventilation, modernized electrical systems, and enhanced safety measures.

“This long-overdue upgrade ensures that our rice farmers, particularly in Bulacan, have a reliable partner in government,” Tiu Laurel said.

“With the warehouse now operational, the NFA can resume direct procurement of palay at prices that truly value farmers’ labor.”

The NFA is currently purchasing palay at P18 to P24 per kilo, significantly higher than the estimated production cost of P12 to P14 per kilo. During the warehouse’s closure, some private traders reportedly bought palay for as low as P11.50 per kilo, prompting concern among farmers over unfair market practices.

NFA Administrator Larry R. Lacson said the facility is key to fulfilling the agency’s mandate of maintaining a strategic rice buffer stock, especially during emergencies and supply disruptions.

“As of May 20, our inventory stands at 8.24 million bags, sufficient for 11 days of consumption. But under the amended Rice Tariffication Law, we aim to build that up to 15 days to strengthen national food security,” Lacson said.

The reopening included a public dialogue with local farmers, where DA officials emphasized a back-to-basics approach to improving palay procurement systems.

“The simplest solution is to increase direct government buying of palay,” Tiu Laurel told attendees.

“When the flow of NFA operations is consistent, buying and selling, more farmers benefit and gain confidence in the system.”

Farmer leaders welcomed the move, viewing it as a step toward more stable incomes and better market access.

“If the NFA continues its operations consistently, many farmers will benefit from this system. That’s what we are hoping for now,” Leonardo Dela Cruz Estrella, president of the Samahang Magsasaka ng Bocaue, said.

Officials said the Malolos warehouse is just one of several facilities targeted for rehabilitation across the country, as part of broader efforts to restore the NFA’s role in ensuring price stability and food security.