The National Food Authority (NFA) is setting its sights on rebuilding trust and extending its reach to more Filipinos this Christmas season. NFA Administrator Larry Lacson shared his aspirations in a video message released on December 24, 2024, emphasizing the agency’s goal to assist more Filipinos and farmers by reintroducing NFA rice to the public market.
Lacson highlighted the significance of the NFA’s role in providing affordable rice, which he believes will benefit both consumers and farmers. He expressed a desire for the NFA to regain its former prominence and contribute more meaningfully to the lives of Filipinos. “My wish is to help more Filipinos and farmers and to restore the trust of the public in the NFA,” Lacson stated.
The NFA’s scope was narrowed by the Rice Tariffication Law of 2019, limiting its activities to local palay procurement for emergency rice reserves. However, Lacson is advocating for the NFA to resume selling rice directly to consumers, a move he believes will stabilize market prices and support local agriculture.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has also supported the idea of reinstating the NFA’s retail sales capabilities to manage rising rice prices and increase availability to the public. As of December 20, rice prices in Metro Manila varied from PHP40 to PHP56 per kilogram for both imported and local varieties.
Lacson praised the NFA staff for their dedication and resilience throughout the year, acknowledging their efforts during the agency’s year-end review on December 19. He noted that their collective efforts have been crucial to the NFA’s achievements in 2024.
The NFA reported a significant increase in palay procurement during the third quarter of 2024, acquiring 1,056,810 bags, or 52,840.5 metric tons, from local farmers. This represents a 578.46 percent rise compared to the same period in the previous year, when the NFA procured 155,766 bags, or 7,788.3 metric tons.