The National Food Authority (NFA) of the Philippines, operating under the Department of Agriculture, plays an essential role in ensuring the nation’s food security by stabilizing the supply and pricing of rice, its staple food. Evolving from its initial establishment in 1972 as the National Grains Authority, the NFA has undergone significant transformations, notably becoming a Buffer Stocking Agency in 2019, focusing on rice sourced exclusively from local farmers for use in emergencies.
Today, the Authority is dedicated to procuring palay from local farmers, maintaining buffer stocks, and distributing rice during crises, targeting individual farmers and farmer organizations as its primary beneficiaries.
Introduction to the National Food Authority
The National Food Authority, known in Filipino as Pambansang Pangasiwaan ng Pagkain, is a significant arm of the Philippine government operating under the Department of Agriculture. Its main mission is to ensure the food security of the Philippines, focusing on the stability of supply and pricing of rice, which is the staple food of the nation.
The Evolution of the NFA
Tracing its origins back to September 26, 1972, the Authority was initially established as the National Grains Authority (NGA) under Presidential Decree No. 4. The NGA was created to support the integrated growth of the grains industry which includes rice, corn, and other grains. Through various reforms and reconstitutions, notably in 1981 under Presidential Decree No. 1770, the NGA evolved into what is now the NFA. This transformation expanded its role to include a wider array of responsibilities beyond just grains.
Significant shifts in its mission came with the Rice Tariffication Law (Republic Act No. 11203) in 2019, turning the NFA from a trading and regulatory body into a Buffer Stocking Agency focused exclusively on rice, sourced from local farmers, to be used particularly during emergencies and calamities.
Core Functions and Mandate of the NFA
Today, the Authority is tasked with several major functions aimed at securing the national food supply:
- Procuring palay from local farmers: This involves purchasing rice at fair prices to support local agriculture and ensure that farmers are compensated fairly.
- Maintaining rice buffer stocks: The NFA ensures that there are sufficient reserves of rice available to meet emergency and daily demands.
- Distribution during emergencies: In times of crisis, such as natural disasters or other emergencies, the Authority distributes rice from its buffer stocks to aid affected populations.
Vision, Mission, and Values
The NFA operates under a clear vision and mission to guide its operations:
- Vision: To be the authority in maintaining sufficient rice reserves essential to national food security.
- Mission: To procure and preserve an optimal level of rice grain inventory from local sources and manage distribution during emergencies.
The core values of professionalism, service excellence, accountability, organizational awareness, commitment, and interpersonal relations drive the Authority’s daily operations and interactions with the public and other stakeholders.
How to Avail of the NFA’s Programs and Services
The National Food Authority offers several programs aimed at supporting local farmers and ensuring the stability of the rice supply in the Philippines. Here’s a guide on how to participate in these programs and benefit from the services provided by the NFA.
1. Palay Procurement (IPP – Institutionalized Procurement Program)
Description: The NFA purchases palay from individual farmers and accredited farmer organizations at a government support price to maintain a sufficient buffer stock and stabilize farmers’ income.
- Beneficiaries: Individual Farmers (IFs) and Accredited Farmer Organizations (FOs).
- Objectives: To establish a manageable buffer stock for emergencies and assure farmers’ income during periods of low farmgate prices.
- Eligibility Criteria: Farmers must be legally registered and part of an accredited farmer organization to participate.
- Registration: Ensure that you are registered with the NFA as a farmer or as part of a farmer organization.
- Documentation: Prepare necessary documents proving land ownership or lease and crop production.
- Delivery: Deliver your palay to the nearest NFA buying station adhering to the quality specifications set by the NFA.
- Payment: Receive payment at the government support price, currently set at PHP 19.00/kg.
2. Palay Procurement with Farmer’s Option to Buy Back (FOBB)
Description: This program is an extension of the IPP, allowing farmers to buy back their sold palay, providing an additional income opportunity and aiding in stock accumulation.
- Beneficiaries: Accredited IFs and FOs.
- Objectives: To provide farmers an opportunity to earn more and help the NFA enhance buffer stock levels.
- Eligibility Criteria: Palay must meet NFA quality standards for procurement.
How to Apply:
- Participate in IPP: First, sell your palay under the regular IPP.
- Option for Buy Back: Indicate at the time of sale that you wish to participate in the FOBB.
- Buy Back Transaction: Complete the buy back transaction according to the terms set by the NFA.
3. Palay Marketing Assistance Program for Legislators and Local Government Units (PALLGU)
Description: In collaboration with legislators and LGUs, this program assists in sourcing palay directly from farmers at a premium price.
- Beneficiaries: Local IFs and FOs.
- Objectives: To maximize income for palay farmers and assist legislators and LGUs in obtaining palay for their constituents.
- Eligibility Criteria: Legislators and LGUs must have a Special Power of Attorney from IFs/FOs to act on their behalf.
How to Apply:
- Coordinate with LGUs or Legislators: Contact your local government unit or legislative office to express interest in participating.
- Agreement: Secure an agreement or Special Power of Attorney to authorize them to buy on your behalf.
- Deliver and Sell: Deliver your palay as per the agreement, ensuring it meets NFA’s quality standards.
- Receive Premium Payment: Receive the payment that includes the premium amount provided by the legislators or LGUs.
Conclusion
The National Food Authority remains a cornerstone of the Philippine government’s effort to secure food for its citizens. Through its storied history, evolving roles, and dedicated service, the NFA not only supports local agriculture but also ensures that every Filipino has access to affordable and stable rice supplies. As the country continues to face challenges such as climate change and global economic shifts, the role of the NFA will be ever more important in safeguarding national food security.