NFA penalizes erring grains traders
Roxas City -- Seven erring grains retailers in Capiz were already penalized by the National Food Authority (NFA).
As of October 19, seven grains retailers were fined P1,000.00 each and given stern warning for overpricing and diversion of government rice as well as for non-display of price tag, Information Officer Edna Artates revealed.
Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said that NFA will intensify the monitoring and distribution of government rice nationwide. He specifically ordered the food agency to keep close watch of the price of the staple in the markets all over the country.
The move is the government's pro-active effort to combat the possible increase in the consumption of rice that may result from the shift from bread consumption following the increasing trend of wheat prices in the world market.
On the other hand, NFA administrator Jessup P. Navarro said that the food agency will sustain the continuous distribution of rice through its accredited retailers- Bigasan ni Gloria sa Palengke, Tindahan Natin outlets and rolling stores.
To ensure close monitoring of government rice's supply and prices in both public and private markets nationwide, the Agency's Palengke Watch program is likewise being strengthened.
Meanwhile, Artates said that aside from the agency's Palengke Watch Team in Capiz, NFA Provincial Manager Sergio Balofiños had also coordinated with the different Municipal and City Price Coordinating Council to help the government in monitoring the prices of basic good and commodities, particularly NFA rice.
She said that the government maintains NFA rice at P18.00 per kilogram to give the public access to quality and affordable supply of rice. (PIA)