Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. and San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora recently launched the sale of National Food Authority (NFA) rice at the San Juan City Hall.
This initiative follows the declaration of a Food Security Emergency aimed at addressing the still high cost of rice.
Tiu Laurel commended the San Juan City local government unit for its swift response and urged continued support for the national government’s efforts.
“What we’re doing is very important in helping reduce costs so consumers can buy more rice at a lower price.”
“DA appreciates the local government of San Juan for supporting the rice emergency. What we’re doing is very important in helping reduce costs so consumers can buy more rice at a lower price,” the agriculture chief said.
San Juan City is the first LGU to sell rice at P33 per kilo, or P1,650 per 50-kilogram sack. All 1,000 sacks purchased from the DA were quickly allocated, as the city conducted pre-registration before the sale.
Zamora, who also serves as President of the Metro Manila Council, thanked the DA and shared that the city government is ready to buy another 1,000 sacks of rice from the NFA to distribute to residents.
“We can adjust as demand increases.”
“We can adjust as demand increases. For this initial 1,000 sacks, if people want smaller quantities, we can accommodate that. We’re grateful to Sec. Tiu Laurel, as the first 1,000 sacks have been fully distributed, and we’re now ready to order more,” the mayor said.
Many San Juan residents, including Elsa Brillante, 66, and her husband Alfredo Brillante, 74, lined up early to pre-register.
Elsa shared her experience. “This is a big help to us. The price is affordable. When we buy 25 kilograms of rice, we spend ₱1,300. Here, we got 50 kilograms for just ₱1,650. The savings will go toward buying other necessities,” she said, noting that she has felt the impact of rising prices.
The food security emergency was declared on February 3, 2025, based on recommendations from the National Price Coordinating Council.
This provision allows the DA to direct the NFA—which is usually restricted from selling rice directly to the public—to release buffer stocks to government agencies, local government units, and the KADIWA ng Pangulo program.
