The Department of Agriculture (DA) and National Food Authority (NFA) have contracted six rice millers in Albay and Sorsogon to process over 114,000 bags of palay into roughly 74,600 bags of rice. Worth P19.1 million, the project aims to expand government rice reserves, free warehouse space, and support the low-cost rice program amid rising inflation.
DA Secretary and NFA Council chairman Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. noted the effort is key to shielding consumers from price shocks, especially with higher global oil costs from Middle East tensions. Rice makes up about 9 percent of average household spending—and nearly double that for low-income families—making it a major factor in inflation.
NFA Administrator Larry Lacson said milling stored palay improves inventory management and lets the agency buy more from farmers during harvest. A similar project was recently finished in Soccsksargen, with more regions set to follow to strengthen supply.
As of May 27, local well-milled rice in Metro Manila averaged P49.94 per kg; regular milled, P45.02. Imported varieties ranged from P42.50 to P59.53 per kg, while local special and premium types sold for P60.37 and P55.19 per kg, respectively.
