The National Food Authority (NFA) initially released a total of 599 bags for distribution to those affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano.

Tens of thousands of people from Calabarzon area were affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano last January 12. Residents from hard-hit areas of Batangas are now staying in evacuation centers set up by the government.

Local NFA offices in Cavite released 489 bags to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); Batangas gave 50 bags to the local government of Taysan and 60 bags to the Lions Club of Batangas.

Meanwhile, the city government of Valenzuela has signified its intention to buy 9,600 bags from the food agency for distribution also to the displaced families.

NFA administrator Judy Carol Dansal assured that the food agency has enough rice stocks especially in the affected areas. The rice inventory in Region 4 (Southern Tagalog) stands at 1,930,000 bags; NCR has 197,000 bags and 1,963,000 bags for Region 3 (Central Luzon).

“We are ready to respond anytime to provide the rice requirements of various relief agencies and LGUs. We have a standing Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with relief agencies such as the DSWD, Office of Civil Defense and LGUs for the supply of their rice requirements for relief operations during natural disasters, calamities and other emergencies,” Dansal said.

She said that local NFA offices in Batangas, Cavite, Metro Manila, and Central Luzon are on alert status and are closely coordinating with the LGUs and relief agencies for the issuance of rice for distribution to affected families and those in the evacuation centers. NFA Operation Centers were also activated to ensure a 24-hour response and regularly monitor the situations in the area. (PR)