DA Short Of Target On Food Security

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has failed to meet its target on the declaration of a food security emergency as the agency still awaits the signed approved resolution by the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC).

- By Bella Cariaso - With Jasper Emmanuel Arcalas

At a press conference yesterday, Agriculture Assistant Secretary and spokesman Arnel de Mesa assured the public that the implementation of the food security emergency would still push through despite the delay of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.'s approval.

"We are still awaiting the copy of the NPCC resolution. We were advised that the resolution is being circulated to member agencies for their signatures. Although it is already approved, we still need the signed copy of the approved resolution," De Mesa said.

He earlier said Tiu Laurel expects to sign the food security emergency by Jan. 22.

"We anticipated that we will receive the copy of the signed resolution last Monday (Jan. 20). As committed by the secretary, the DA will review as part of due diligence in two days; afterwards, the possible declaration can be made. Since the copy of the resolution is still not with us, then we cannot do anything about it," De Mesa added.

The DA still targets to release the stocks of the National Food Authority (NFA) beginning Feb. 1 despite the delay in the declaration of the food security emergency, according to the agriculture official.

"If we can release (the food security emergency) this week, we are still within the Feb. 1 target, but definitely, there will be adjustment later on," he said.

Under the newly enacted Republic Act 12078, or the Agricultural Tariffication Act, the DA – upon the recommendation of the NPCC – may declare a food security emergency to address supply shortages or extraordinary increases in rice prices.

A declaration of food security emergency will allow the NFA to release its rice buffer stocks to the market and replace them with locally produced palay.