MANILA, (PIA) — While talking about the possibility of importing rice to increase the country’s 15-day buffer stock amid the aftermath of super typhoon Egay, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. clarified that the move has to be studied carefully.
“Mabuti naman at sa usapan namin, nakita naman na ang pag-import natin ng bigas ay pababa naman nang pababa. Ngunit pagka may emergency na ganito ay kailangan talaga nating tingnan kung nangangailangan pa ng pag-import,” President Marcos said during his meeting with Department of Agriculture (DA) officials in Malacañang, Tuesday.
Aside from the effects of super typhoon Egay, the Chief Executive said that they also discussed the department’s preparations for the buffer stock with regard to the expected occurrence of the El Niño phenomenon.
“So, gumawa na…kami ng schedule kung saan tayo kukuha ng production; kung saan tayo bibili dito sa local; kung kailangan mag-import, mag-i-import na naman tayo,” President Marcos said.
Data from the Department of Agriculture pegged that the country’s rice supply is projected to reach 5.47 million metric tons (MMT) in the third quarter of 2023 and demand expected to reach 3.79 MMT, ending stock in the third quarter is projected at 1.69 MMT, enough to last 45 days at present consumption.
Exploring the possibility of immediate procurement of available rice stocks at the lowest accessible price, to cover the 15-day buffer stock, subject to compliance with the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) and its implementing rules and regulations, is one of the DA’s recommendations.
The DA also recommended to ensure the availability of affordable rice, especially to the less fortunate households, through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or the Food Stamp Program and to mobilize local government unit (LGU) resources in responding to calamities.
President Marcos also emphasized that the DA assured him of enough supply of rice and corn seeds and high-value crops that will be distributed to affected farmers.
The DA will distribute 111,873 bags of rice seeds; 14,426 bags of corn seeds; and, 2,582 kilograms of assorted vegetable seeds to regions affected by Egay as it recommended to ramp up local production of rice and production support to ensure a sufficient supply of rice and other agricultural commodities.
It also recommended to fast-track efforts for the distribution of readily available assistance to rice farmers, especially those in calamity-stricken areas, and ensure the availability of the Quick Response Fund for the immediate rehabilitation of affected areas to be augmented by credit assistance.
It can be recalled that President Marcos is authorized to approve government rice importation during emergencies under the RTL or Republic Act 11203. (PIA-NCR)
