By Stephanie Sevillano
MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday said it would study the possible importation of rice from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to help sustain the PHP20 per kg. rice program dubbed “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na” until 2028.
This came after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed confidence in the sustainability of BBM Na, citing target partnerships with other countries.
In a press conference, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the move may be coursed through the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI).
“Pwedeng pag-aralan kung syempre of course, limited yung NFA (National Food Authority) rice. Kung i-expand pa natin (We can study that of course if there’s limited NFA rice. If we will expand) beyond the current beneficiaries, the vulnerable, the minimum wage earners, iyong plano na mas madagdagan pa (the plan to add more beneficiaries),” he said.
“Andiyan ang ASEAN, depende kung ano iyong makita ni Secretary [Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.] (There’s the ASEAN, it depends on what the Secretary will see). We cannot say for now kung ano yung mga bansa (what are the countries), but we are open.”
Besides potential partnerships with ASEAN member states, Pakistan and India may also be considered for future agreements to sustain the cheaper rice program.
Asked about a possible timeline, the agriculture official said the earliest may be in 2026.
“Most likely next year. Kasi ngayong (Because now in) 2025, the current stocks NFA plus our target. Its stock is more than enough to cover the requirements until then,” De Mesa said.
Around 250,000 metric tons (MT) volume of aging and soon-to-age NFA rice has been allocated for the program, he added.
As of May 20, the NFA has secured 8.24 million 50-kg. bags of milled rice for the country’s national rice buffer stock, which will be sufficient for 11 days, according to the DA.
Under the amended Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), the NFA must secure a 15-day buffer stock for times of calamities and natural disasters. (PNA)
