National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Larry Lacson announced that the agency currently holds a buffer stock of 358,000 metric tons, equivalent to 7.16 million sacks of rice.
In a Palace briefing on Tuesday, he said the volume would last for 9.36 days, stressing that "This is enough to feed the entire Philippines for more than nine days."
In the first quarter of 2025, the NFA procured 2.2 million sacks of unhusked rice (palay) from local farmers, amounting to P2.6 billion.
Lacson emphasized that strengthening the buffer stock remains a top priority, with rice considered the primary gauge of food security.
“For this year, due to the amendment of the [Rice Tariffication Law], we will be increasing our buffer stock from 9.36 days to 15 days,” he said.
He also highlighted improvements to the agency’s fast lane program for small farmers.
Previously limited to those selling 50 bags or less, the program now accommodates farmers selling up to 70 bags, allowing more small-scale producers to sell their harvest to the NFA.
P29 rice per kilo continues
The rice agency chief added that the NFA, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food Terminal Inc., and various local government units, is implementing a program offering rice at P30 per kilo in participating markets.
Lacson also assured the public that the P29 per kilo rice — part of the P20 rice initiative — continues to be available for the country’s vulnerable sectors.