Gov’t continues to provide affordable rice for Pangasinenses

By Venus H. Sarmiento

Lingayen, Pangasinan (7 August) — The government continues to provide quality but affordable rice to Pangasinenses, according to the National Food Authority here.

NFA Western Pangasinan General Manager Ramon Cuaresma said his office continues to sell NFA rice at P18.25 per kilo in ‘Tindahan Natin’ outlets in far flung barangays of the province.

Cuaresma explained that there are rice allocation ledgers from the Department of Social Welfare and Development to make sure that the NFA rice goes to the poor who should be prioritized in the availment of affordable rice.

He added that the limit for one family is five kilos of rice. Any ‘Tindahan Natin outlet found not abiding by the rules will face cancellation of rice allocation, Cuaresma said.

At present there are 302 ‘Tindahan Natin’ outlets where 88 of these are in located in barangays accredited by DSWD. Other outlets especially in the Poblacion area sell NFA rice at P25 per kilo.

Curaesma added that not all NFA rice is being imported. Most of the supplies are locally produced, bought by the government from farmers since August to December last year.

He admitted that NFA rice is not as white as well-milled rice because it is only of the regular-milled kind. However, he made sure the NFA rice is of good quality, delicious and smells pleasant.

Cuaresma assured the public that there is an ample supply of rice in his area of responsibility until next harvest season. (PIA-Pangasinan)