The Commission on Audit (COA), in its Audit Observation Memorandum (AOM), commended the National Food Authority for successful buffer stocking operations for calendar year 2024.

Mr. Radito G. Ching, Supervising Auditor of the Commission on Audit after evaluating the buffer stocking program of the agency stated in the AOM that the “NFA was able to procure ninety percent (90%) of its targeted 495,000 MT for CY 2024.”

“We commend the management in maintaining the required buffer stock to almost optimal level of rice inventory that significantly mitigated the risk of not meeting the country’s food security in case of calamity and emergency situations,” cited COA in its memorandum.

In previous years, the COA recommended that the NFA ensure the optimum level of national rice buffer stocking requirement of 300,000 metric tons at any given time by employing innovative strategies and approaches to achieve the palay procurement targets.

On April 18, 2024, the Price Range Scheme (PRICERS) was approved by the NFA Council headed by the Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. The PRICERS sets the government’s buying price for palay at P17 to 23/kg for wet and P23 to P 30/kg for clean and dry.

The COA also cited that the successful implementation of the PRICERS, the NFA buying price for palay became more competitive with those offered by the private traders.

Further, the COA stated that NFA’s performance was bolstered by the intensified procurement initiatives of the agency, which include the Ugnayan campaign, the Palay Marketing Assistance for Legislators and Local Government Units (PALLGU), the enhanced mobile procurement operations, and the extension of the operating hours at NFA field buying stations. COA stated that the efforts intensify collaboration with the agency’s stakeholders and improve the NFA’s service delivery.

NFA Administrator Larry R. Lacson thanked the COA for the recognition of the efforts of the NFA. Lacson said that the agency will continuously work hand in hand with the Commission in further improving the delivery of goods and services from the agency.

The NFA will be implementing the recommendations of the Commission on the monitoring of the market conditions, acquisition of post-harvest facilities, and the hiring of personnel for operations.

“Iniutos na rin ni NFA Council Chairperson Secretary Tiu Laurel, Jr. na pag-aralan na sa ngayon ang pagtatalaga ng floor price sa buying price ng palay upang higit pang matulungan ang ating mga magsasaka ayon na rin sa utos ng ating Mahal na Pangulong Marcos,” Lacson said.

He added that the NFA is now in its full-swing in the implementation of a post-harvest modernization program, the Masagana Agri-Food Infrastructure Modernization Program, which is funded by the government.

The agency is also actively hiring and positioning technical personnel to strengthen its operations.