IN line with efforts to improve the livelihood of local farmers and ensure food security for all Filipinos, the House Committee on Agriculture and Food chaired by Quezon 1st district Representative Wilfrido Mark Enverga today approved a substitute bill seeking to amend Republic Act No. 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law.
To maintain the country’s Rice Buffer Stock, the proposed measure—which has been certified as urgent by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.—restores the role of the National Food Authority (NFA) to sell rice directly to public markets. The NFA shall also be authorized to purchase local milled rice and to directly import rice.
Recognizing the urgency in implementing reforms that will ensure affordable, accessible rice for every Filipino household, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez ensured that the House of Representatives will pass the proposed measure on third and final reading before Congress’ sine die adjournment this month of May.
