NFA Council approves additional importation of 500,000 MT rice

The National Food Authority (NFA) Council has approved the importation of 500,000 metric tons of rice on top of the previously announced 250,000 metric tons, Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol said Monday.

In an ambush interview with reporters, Piñol said a total of 750,000 MT would arrive at the end of 2018, noting that the amount will also address the production loss incurred by the rice sub-sector due to Typhoon Ompong.

Kasama na, naquantify na namin ‘yung kailangan naming isuporta sa Ompong-affected areas,” Piñol said.

Pinol also said the council also approved the standby importation of P1 million metric tons for 2019.

“The message that we are getting across to those hoarding the rice right now, you better release your stocks in the market or else pag inabutan kayo ng stocks of NFA, masasagasaan ‘yung stocks niyo,” Piñol said.

In another ambush interview on Monday, NFA spokesman Rex Estoperez said the first 250,000 metric tons of imported rice may arrive not later than November 30.

“Ang timing namin depende ‘yun ... We will have the 250,000 siguro arrival is until ... Ibig sabihin pwede sila magdeliver earlier ... until November 30. We’ll start with the 250,000 first,” Estoperez said, adding that the bidding will start in October. —VDS, GMA News