The National Food Authority (NFA) in Ilocos Norte has increased the buying price for clean and dry palay (unhusked rice) to as much as PHP30 per kilogram to help increase farmers’ income amid rising production costs and encourage more rice growers to sell their harvest to the government.
The higher procurement price is effective Oct. 19 to 25, 2026 covering the food agency’s buying stations in Candon City and the municipality of Santa in Ilocos Sur, as well as the warehouses in Barangay Saludares, Dingras and Sta. Joaquina in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
“This is part of the agency’s efforts to strengthen local rice production, provide farmers with better returns and maintain adequate rice buffer stocks for food security and emergency response,” said the NFA-Ilocos Norte in a statement on Wednesday.
By offering competitive prices, the government also hopes to encourage farmers to sell their produce to the NFA instead of relying solely on private traders.
Aside from supporting farmers, the NFA’s procurement program aims to replenish government rice reserves for distribution during emergencies and other situations requiring food assistance.
The agency has also introduced a purchase order system that allows farmers to arrange sales with the NFA before their actual harvest, helping facilitate procurement planning. A fast-lane system for small farmers is, likewise, in place to streamline transactions.
“Based on existing instruction from the central office, the buying price for palay should be around PHP30 per kilo and not lower,” said acting branch manager Shoreen Maglinong in an interview.
Through higher palay buying prices and expanded procurement efforts, the NFA aims to support farmers’ livelihoods, strengthen government rice reserves, and contribute to the country’s food security.
Meanwhile, the NFA Ilocos Norte has reported a sufficient stockpile of rice in its warehouses with more than 30,000 bags allocated for the Benteng Bigas Meron Na or BBM program and around 34,000 bags ready for dispatch in case of calamity. (PNA)
