The Department of Agriculture (DA) will start selling well-milled rice stocks from the National Food Authority (NFA) at PHP33 per kilogram following the declaration of a food security emergency for rice.

In a press briefing Tuesday, NFA acting department manager Roy Untiveros said it is lower by two pesos than the initial target price for local government units (LGUs), other government agencies, and government-owned and -controlled corporations, which can sell at PHP35/kg.

Untiveros said the selling price was tweaked to fast-track the release of NFA rice stocks.

“We really have to release the stocks of NFA so we can create more space to accommodate naman iyong (the) incoming palay deliveries from the farmers,” he said, despite around PHP12/kg to PHP15/kg or around PHP1.8 billion to PHP2.2 billion estimated NFA losses due to the lower pricing.

The NFA needs to release at least 150,000 metric tons or 150 million kg of well-milled rice stocks in the next six months.

Untiveros likewise clarified that DA, through the Food Terminal Incorporated, will be the one to sell and get the PHP33/kg profit from LGUs.

“Malinaw po doon sa (It’s clear in the) Republic Act 12078 na ang NFA po ay hindi (that the NFA is not) authorized to sell its stocks. So malinaw po doon na sinabi na (it’s clearly indicated there that) the DA may sell the NFA stocks,” he said, citing the DA’s role to replenish stocks in return.

Moreover, the NFA’s cooperation with LGUs for the rice stock release allocation is underway.

“Fify-three letters na po ang na-send natin. And we are waiting for the reply of the LGUs so we can ascertain sino po iyong mga (who are those) interested to participate,” Untiveros said.

To date, LGUs in Metro Manila and Cavite have already signified their intents to secure NFA rice stock allocation.

NFA rice stocks will be available in Kadiwa ng Pangulo centers and kiosks in Metro Manila until the second week of February. (PNA)