DA’s control over NFA seen to curb rice woes

PALO, Leyte, Sept. 20  -- National Food Authority (NFA) officials said President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to return the grains agency’s supervision to the Department of Agriculture (DA) will help resolve rice supply woes.

NFA Regional Manager John Robert Hermano on Thursday said returning NFA’s supervision to DA is the best decision since the latter understands the rice situation better.

“We want someone who can understand the grains industry so they can recommend if we need to import, how much volume is needed for importation. There’s no more need for lengthy discussions on importation,” Hermano told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

On September 17, President Rodrigo Duterte issued Executive Order 62 returning the grains agency to the DA from the Office of the President.

The directive repealed EO 1 issued in 2016 that placed NFA, along with 11 other agencies, under the supervision of the Cabinet Secretary at the Office of the President.

NFA assistant regional manager Raymond Tafalla said the President’s order is very welcome since DA is the most appropriate agency to decide on rice importation.

“Members of the NFA Council should be expert and fully aware of the country’s rice situation. Being with DA is not new to us since we used to be part of the department,” Tafalla said.

The NFA official said the agency's return to DA will give the two agencies the ability to synchronize agricultural policies, such as the timing of rice importation and market intervention, as well as strengthen farmers’ assistance through NFA’s marketing channels, among others. (SQM/PNA)