Gov. Isidro Zayco yesterday said that, more rice production is expected in Negros Occidental this year with the prolonged rainy season, but he is urging Negrenses not to waste rice.

The National Food Authority in Negros has assured that there is no rice shortage in the province but Senator Mar Roxas yesterday warned anew that the country may be in for a “perfect storm” without a concrete survival plan.

 This is amid rising oil and rice prices, a recession in the United States, a global food shortage and its effects on the people’s purchasing power, he said.

NFA Negros provincial manager Marianito Bejemino yesterday reiterated that the province has adequate supply of rice. “We even have a bigger inventory of rice now than we had during the same period last year,” Bejemino said.

Rice production in Negros Occidental is also higher than it was last year, he said.

Nonilo Nacion, president of the Confederation of Grains Retailers–Negros Occidental chapter, said there is adequate supply of rice in the province, there is no panic and there are no long lines of people waiting to buy rice.

He said talk of a rice shortage, however, drive some businessmen, speculating on higher prices, to hoard rice.

An earlier opening of the Bago Irrigation System could further boost rice production in Negros Occidental, he added.

Zayco said the NFA has assured him of adequate rice supply in Negros Occidental.

“I hope there will be no rice shortage, I am very sure the national government will take action because rice is the staple food of all Filipinos,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said Negrenses can do their share by ensuring that there is no wastage in rice from harvest to the warehouses, and in the amount cooked at home and ordered at restaurants.

Zayco said a study has shown that about 15 to 20 percent of rice is wasted.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said rice shortage is not yet a problem in Bacolod City but the city will adapt measures to ensure that it is prepared.*CPG

* * *

ILOILO CITY – The National Food Authority has assured a stable supply of rice in Western Visayas amid growing concerns of a crisis brought by rising global demand and a drop in production.

Vilma Zarraga, Officer in Charge-Regional Manager of the NFA in Western Visayas, said the rice inventory in the region stands at 4.2 million bags, which could last for 72 days.

The inventory consists of 2.267 million bags in households, 1.566 million bags in commercial retailers and wholesalers and 386,000 bags with the government stock as of March 19.

The daily rice consumption in the region is 58,000 bags or 1.74 million bags monthly, Zarraga said.

She said they also expect the arrival of imported rice from Thailand, Vietnam and Pakistan consisting of 126,000 bags for Negros Occidental and and 74,000 bags for Iloilo. The inventory and importation is the same level with that during the same period last year, she said.

Prices remain stable, ranging from P21 to P25 per kilo, but this is expected to increase during the lean season from June to August.

Zarraga said they are preparing for the lean months by beefing up their inventory to offset any shortage.*NPB

back to top