The Metro Manila Council (MMC) has expressed its support for the expansion of the Department of Agriculture's (DA) Rice-for-All Program in markets, along with the proposal to supply NFA rice to local government units (LGUs).
MMC President and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora assured the public that the initiative will not be politicized, even as it coincides with this year’s election season.
“Nais kong banggitin na number one, kami naman po nagpapasalamat sa Department of Agriculture sapagkat magkakaroon tayo ng pagkakataon na maibahagi ang programang ito sa ating mga mamamayan," Zamora stated.
“Yung sinasabing baka ma-politicized siya, I don’t think any of the Mayors in Metro Manila will do that,” he added.
Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. plans to start distributing NFA rice to LGUs and government offices by February, aiming to make affordable rice accessible to the constituencies of various cities.
In a report by RH Edniel Parrosa, Laurel clarified that LGUs are not obligated to sell the NFA rice they acquire, as it is not included in the regulations.
This means that city mayors have the option to either distribute the NFA rice as aid or provide it for free, depending on their discretion.
Meanwhile, Laurel clarified that theDA is simply carrying out its mandate to release the NFA's buffer stock, emphasizing that the action is unrelated to political matters.
