For Antique, she said that palay procurement is ongoing with the palay harvest season going to its peak starting September to December.

“With the recent mandate of NFA on palay procurement, there will be enough supply of rice in different NFA warehouses strategically located in the region,” Paz said

She assured the Antiqueños that the supply will be provided by the warehouses of NFA in Iloilo when the local rice stock inventory depletes.

Putting emphasis on the Palay Procurement Program, Paz said that mobile procurement, especially in far-flung areas, will be sustained, however, she enjoined the farmers to coordinate in advance with NFA so that proper logistics could be prepared for them.

According to her, the palay price remained at P19.00 per kilogram, clean and dry with a moisture content of not higher than 14 percent for both purchased at the warehouses of NFA or during mobile procurement.

Paz also explained that under Republic Act No. 11203, NFA no longer regulates the rice retailers, instead the agency provides them with enough supply of rice, especially during emergencies.

She likewise lauded the support of farmer associations and cooperatives in the province for them to achieve their target in palay procurement. (JBG/SRA/SJQ/PSM/PIA-Antique)