The National Food Authority (NFA) opened the newly rehabilitated warehouse in Bulacan on Monday to support the agency’s palay procurement, raise farmer incomes, and maintain the P20-per-kilo rice initiative.
“This long-overdue upgrade of a 45-year-old facility ensures that our hardworking rice farmers, especially in Bulacan, are no longer at the mercy of opportunistic traders. With this warehouse back in action, the NFA can continue buying palay at prices that truly reflect farmers’ efforts,” said Agriculture secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, who also chairs the NFA Council.
The 2,400-square-meter facility, built in 1979, underwent a P10.4 million rehabilitation that began in December, upgrading electrical systems, ventilation, and safety features.
The facility can now store up to 70,000 50-kilo bags of palay or rice.
The NFA is currently purchasing palay at P18 to P24 per kilo, well above the estimated production cost of P12 to P14 per kilo.
Some traders reportedly offered as low as P11.50 per kilo during the warehouse’s closure.
NFA administrator Larry Lacson said the project strengthens the agency’s ability to secure a reliable rice buffer stock, especially during crises.
As of May 20, the NFA holds 8.24 million bags of rice, enough to cover 11 days of national consumption, bringing it closer to the 15-day buffer stock required under the amended Rice Tariffication Law.
NFA-sourced rice is currently being sold at P20 per kilo through KADIWA ng Pangulo outlets and select local government units.
