The National Food Authority (NFA) is leasing extra warehouse space in Victoria, Tarlac to buy more palay directly from local farmers and strengthen the government’s rice supply program.
Opening this October, the 1,782-sq.m. facility in Barangay Masalasa holds ~100,000 bags of palay — part of a larger complex with milling, drying and weighing gear, so farmers can unload, process and store in one site.
Victoria is Tarlac’s second-largest palay producer, contributing 10.2% of the province’s 2026 main crop. The new space will serve 874 farmers across the area. Currently, NFA buys only 4.3% of Tarlac’s harvest — this expansion will lift that share sharply.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stressed: “More space means we can buy more at fair prices — farmers get a reliable buyer, government secures steady supply.”
NFA chief Larry Lacson said expanded storage plus cleared space from old-stock disposals will let the agency procure up to 500,000 MT of palay — supporting the P20/kg subsidized rice program with more locally grown grain.
In February, NFA auctioned 90% of aging stocks, raising ₱936.5M and freeing room for fresh harvest. With commercial rice at ₱45–₱48/kg, the P20 program offers critical savings for families and guaranteed demand for farmers.
