The National Food Authority (NFA) is urging Bicolano farmers to sell their palay (unhusked rice) to the government following an increase in procurement prices effective April 13 to strengthen buffer stocks for subsidized rice distribution and disaster response.

Under the new price schedule, clean and dry palay is procured at PHP29 per kg. in Albay, PHP25 in Catanduanes, PHP28 in Camarines Sur, PHP25 in Camarines Norte, PHP30 in Sorsogon, and PHP26 in Masbate. These rates are significantly higher than the previous PHP 24 per kg. set last week.

Julie Llenaresas, NFA Bicol assistant regional manager, said the increase helps farmers recover from rising production costs, including fuel, fertilizer, and labor.

“The higher buying price is a big help to farmers so they can recover their inputs. At the same time, this will encourage them to deliver their harvest to NFA,” Llenaresas said in an interview.

As of April 13, NFA Bicol reported a buffer stock of 592,456 bags of palay, with the bulk located in Camarines Sur, the region’s rice granary. The agency noted that procurement prices vary per province based on weekly monitoring of farm prices to remain competitive with private traders.

‘BBM Na’ in Bicol

The agency assured that its inventory is sufficient to support both emergency operations and the ‘Benteng Bigas Meron Na’ (BBM Na) program, which sells rice at PHP20 per kg. to vulnerable sectors, including senior citizens, solo parents, indigent households, and transport workers.

Beneficiaries can purchase up to 30 kg. per month, while farmers may receive up to 50 kg. The NFA clarified that while it manages the stock, the Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI) handles distribution with support from local government units (LGUs).

In Legazpi City, Mayor Hisham Ismail is coordinating with the NFA and FTI to move distribution to larger venues, such as covered courts or the Embarcadero activity area, to improve queuing conditions.

Meanwhile, the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) set up tents outside the NFA regional office on Monday to assist residents waiting in line.

“We have sufficient stocks and ongoing milling. We are ready to supply both for the PHP 20 program and for emergencies,” Llenaresas said. (PNA)