The National Food Authority in Oriental Negros has intensified its campaign of putting up Tindahan Natin outlets.

Gil Ibarra, newly-installed general manager of the NFA, said there are now 160 Tindahan Natin stalls located in different barangays throughout the province.

He added that, based on records, NFA rice consumption in the different outlets is increasing because of the price increase of commercial rice and corn grits in the market.

He said Oriental Negros is described as one place with a 50-50 type of consumers, or those who buy rice or corn grits, depending on the market price.

At present the NFA rice is available in the market at P18/kilo. Ibarra said the role of the NFA is to control and stabilize the price of rice.

The NFA Tindahan Natin program is one of the priority programs of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The NFA is also preparing for the lean months, from July to August.

Meanwhile, Ibarra denied reports that many incumbent politicians are hoarding NFA rice to be used in May 2007 polls.

He said the bulk purchase of NFA rice is the provincial government, which it being supplies to the hospitals and public schools for the free noon meal feeding program.

Ibarra said that, every year, NFA is mandated to set aside ample rice supply for cases of calamity and disasters, but added that he is thankful that the province is less affected by typhoons and other calamities.*

back to top