On the first day of the National Food Authority (NFA) rice sale in San Juan City, consumers expressed their appreciation for the government’s efforts to make rice more affordable. The sale, which took place on Monday, February 24, 2025, offered rice at a subsidized price of PHP33 per kilogram, or PHP1,650 per sack, significantly lower than the usual market rates. This initiative was part of a broader strategy to address food security concerns, following the declaration of a food security emergency for rice on February 19, 2025.
San Juan City was among the first local government units (LGUs) to participate in this program, alongside Valenzuela, Navotas, and Camarines Sur. The city received an initial delivery of 1,000 sacks of rice on February 19, which were immediately made available to its residents. The San Juan LGU, led by Mayor Francis Zamora, who also serves as the Metro Manila council president, ensured that all the rice was fully allocated through the Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI).
Jennifer Francisco, a 48-year-old resident of San Juan, shared her relief at the reduced price. She explained that she typically buys rice at around PHP60 per kilogram, but with the NFA rice at PHP33 per kilogram, she can save enough to enhance her family’s meals. Francisco, who supports four children and several grandchildren, highlighted how these savings could be redirected towards purchasing additional food items, thereby improving their overall diet.
Another San Juan resident, Ivy Ramos, aged 56, who also owns a rice farm in Nueva Ecija, expressed her willingness to try the NFA rice for both her family’s consumption and for her 30 dogs. Ramos usually feeds her pets a mix of vegetables, meat, and rice, as they refuse dog food. She noted that the NFA rice, at PHP33 per kilogram, would be a significant saving compared to the PHP45 per kilogram she typically spends on rice for her pets, allowing her to sustain them for a month on a single 50-kg sack.
Both Francisco and Ramos were able to purchase the rice after securing pre-registration, a requirement set by the San Juan LGU to ensure fair distribution among eligible buyers. Mayor Zamora emphasized the importance of this day, stating that it could serve as a template for other LGUs in Metro Manila to follow. He also mentioned that while the rice is currently being sold per sack, the city is prepared to adjust to retail sales if there is a demand for smaller quantities.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. attended the event, underscoring the urgency of the sales to clear space in NFA warehouses nationwide. This clearance is crucial to accommodate the upcoming peak harvest season, during which the NFA plans to procure palay (unhusked rice). According to the NFA, participating LGUs across the country will receive a monthly allocation of approximately 625,600 bags, totaling more than 150,000 metric tons over the next six months.
The initiative has been met with positive feedback from the community, with many residents expressing gratitude for the government’s proactive approach to tackling food security issues. The success of the NFA rice sale in San Juan could pave the way for similar programs in other regions, helping to alleviate the financial burden on families and ensuring that affordable rice remains accessible to all.