More Vietnam rice for Neg. Occ.
The National Food Authority (NFA) announced the delivery of Vietnam rice this week to sustain the availability of affordable rice in the province.
Provincial NFA Manager Marianito Bejemino said about 150,000 metric tons of rice is set to be arrive anytime to augment the stock of the cheapest rice in the market currently sold at P18. 25 per kilogram.
Recently, NFA strengthened its market hold with the release of Thailand rice as an alternative to the Vietnam variety sold slightly higher at P25.00 per kilogram. About 100,000 bags were delivered to NFA.
The agency aims to further bring down the lowest priced commercial rice being sold today at P26.00 per kilogram to P22.00.
President Gloria M. Arroyo zeroed in on rice as a prime commodity that will receive state subsidy to enable the poorest Filipino to buy it at a good price.
With the slogan " Labanan ang Kahirapan," the Arroyo administration highlights the gains of VAT channeled to worthy causes such as the lowering the price of the nation's staple food.
The national government has allocated P32 billion for rice procurement to sustain the project until the end of the year. (PIA-LOL)