The Department of Agriculture (DA) has earned a rare vote of confidence from the Commission on Audit (CoA) after the National Food Authority (NFA), under its supervision, recorded a significant turnaround in rice buffer stock management — an achievement hailed as critical to the country’s food security efforts.

In its latest Audit Observation Memorandum (AOM), the CoA cited the agency for maintaining near-optimal rice inventory levels in 2024, a sharp improvement from past years when the NFA struggled to meet mandated reserves. This progress, auditors noted, helps ensure the country is better equipped to respond to emergencies and natural disasters that threaten food supply stability.

“We commend the management for maintaining the required buffer stock at an almost optimal level, significantly reducing the risk of food insecurity during calamities and emergencies,” the audit signed by CoA audit team leader Abdelghani Sultan said.

The result reflects the strategic direction set by Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., who also chairs the NFA Council. Along with Administrator Larry Lacson, Laurel led the push to implement reforms aimed at transforming the NFA from a struggling agency into a functional food security arm of government.

“This recognition from CoA affirms that the reforms we’re pursuing are working — not just for farmers but for the broader food security goals of the country,” Laurel said. “It’s about building a resilient and fair supply chain.”

Key to the improvement was the launch of the Price Range Scheme (PRICERS), a market-responsive buying framework that allows the NFA to adjust its palay procurement prices weekly. The program made NFA buying rates more competitive — ranging from P17 to P30 per kilo — helping the agency attract more farmer-sellers and discouraging price manipulation by traders.