Malacañang Urges LGUs to Lower NFA Rice Price to PHP33 per kg for Consumers

In a recent announcement, the presidential office suggested that local government units (LGUs) should reduce the selling price of National Food Authority (NFA) rice to PHP33 per kg instead of PHP35 per kg to help alleviate the burden on consumers. The move came after San Juan City LGU successfully resold NFA rice to residents at the original price of PHP33 per kg, setting a positive example for other LGUs to ensure that their people have access to affordable staple food. By streamlining the process and selling rice directly at PHP33 per kg, it eliminates the possibility of added costs if passed through various layers of the system. Following suit, the NFA rice purchased at PHP33 per kg by LGUs can then be sold to consumers at a suggested retail price of PHP35 per kg. San Juan City led the way by selling NFA rice at PHP1,650 per sack, equivalent to PHP33 per kg, and adjusted the quantity sold per consumer to 5 kg to 10 kg packs to cater to more residents in need of the affordable rice. The effort to offer smaller packs of rice was praised by officials for ensuring wider access to budget-friendly rice options in local markets. The NFA administrator emphasized the importance of ensuring that the rice bought by LGUs reaches those in need of affordable staple food.