The National Food Authority (NFA) is set to increase its procurement of palay from local farmers in 2025, aiming to elevate the national rice buffer stock from a nine-day to a fifteen-day supply. This move is part of a broader strategy to ensure sufficient reserves for emergency and disaster relief efforts across the country.
NFA Administrator Larry Lacson remains optimistic about achieving these targets, despite anticipated hurdles. He emphasized the collective effort needed, stating, “With everyone’s help, we can achieve this. Despite numerous challenges, the NFA remains confident for this year and beyond.”
Lacson highlighted several challenges, including the distribution of existing rice stocks, the expansion of warehouse capacities to accommodate the increased buffer stock, and the budgetary constraints outlined in the 2025 General Appropriations Act. He noted that the NFA successfully procured 95 percent of its 300,000 metric tons target in 2024, but emphasized that the release of these stocks is necessary before further procurement can occur.
To address the warehousing challenge, Lacson has directed the operations team to maximize the capacity of existing warehouses to meet the new fifteen-day buffer stock requirement. He also mentioned ongoing discussions with the Governance Commission for Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations to facilitate these efforts.
On the financial front, Lacson expressed confidence in the support from the Office of the President, stating that the broader challenges present opportunities for learning and achievement. The NFA has been allocated a budget of PHP9 billion for 2025, matching the previous year’s allocation.
This strategic increase in rice buffer stock is crucial for the Philippines, ensuring that the nation is better prepared to handle emergencies and sustain its disaster relief programs.