CITY OF MALOLOS – The National Food Authority (NFA) has begun a palay rollout to make way for its P20-per-kilo rice inventory.

NFA Administrator Larry Lacson confirmed to ARKIPELAGO NEWS in a text message that the agency’s warehouse palay inventories are still almost full, saying, “Medyo puno pa rin. Pero massive ang roll out ng benteng bigas kaya mabilis na luluwag ito in time for harvest season.”

Rhona Talens, NFA Bulacan manager, said their palay stocks are being milled by private milling contractors under a payment-in-kind scheme, wherein 63 percent guaranteed milling recoveries will go to the NFA while excess milling recoveries will go to the private millers.

She also confirmed that their palay warehouses in Bulacan have a total capacity of 691,200 bags, with a current stock of 511,410 bags, leaving available space for 179,790 bags.

On the other hand, its total rice warehouse capacity is 78,975 bags, with a current utilization of 34,722 bags, leaving available space for 44,253 bags, Talens said.

Recent reports said the Department of Agriculture has announced plans to expand the sale of P20-per-kilo rice to the provinces this year.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said that those who can avail of the P20/kg rice are 4Ps beneficiaries, persons with disabilities, single parents, and senior citizens.

Senior citizens are allowed to buy up to 30 kilos per month, while other beneficiaries are capped at 10 kilos.

📷 Mon Lazaro