The National Food Authority (NFA) announced Tuesday that the country’s rice buffer stock has increased significantly, now capable of sustaining the national demand for more than nine days—a key milestone in the Marcos administration’s food security program.
NFA Administrator Larry Lacson said the agency currently holds 358,000 metric tons of rice, equivalent to 7.16 million bags, marking a substantial rise from last year’s buffer of just one day. With the amended Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), the agency now targets a 15-day supply by the end of the year.
To meet that goal, the NFA estimates it will need an additional P8 billion on top of its current P9 billion budget.
Lacson said the agency is looking at ways to raise funds, including selling rice stocks to local government units (LGUs), though distribution has been slow due to pending local council resolutions and the need for Commission on Elections (Comelec) exemptions.
On procurement, the agency bought 2.2 million bags of palay from local farmers in the first quarter of 2025, amounting to P2.6 billion in support.
Purchases were made nationwide, except in the National Capital Region and parts of Region VII where production remains low.
The NFA also expanded its “fast lane” program for small farmers, increasing the bag limit from 50 to 70 to encourage greater participation and speed up local procurement.