DURING a press conference in Quezon City, Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon laid out suggestions for President Bongbong Marcos to address the rice problem in the country.
He stated that his office would draft a policy recommendation to restore the former authority of the National Food Authority (NFA) as it was during the time of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.
During Marcos Senior’s era, the NFA purchased rice from farmers at high prices, allowing the government to control the rice prices.
This encouraged more farmers to cultivate rice after receiving substantial income.
“During President Marcos Sr.’s time, that was one of the roles performed by the NFA. As we can see, we didn’t have any problems dealing with rice and its prices during those times,” according to Sec. Larry Gadon, Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation.
It is said that before Marcos Sr.’s time, it was the Chinese traders who controlled the rice prices in the country.
However, this changed when the late President established the National Grains Authority, which later became the National Food Authority.
During the ’70s, the government arrested hoarders and price manipulators. The Defense Department also managed the distribution of rice and corn.
“I can say that because I was very much alive during that time,” Gadon added.
However, with the enactment of the Rice Tariffication Law in 2019, the NFA’s mandate to import rice was abolished.
The private sector was given unlimited authority to dominate rice imports to increase supply in the country.
One of Gadon’s suggestions to President BBM is for the government to regain control over affordable rice and leave the importation of premium rice to the private sector.
“Because the business sector, I’m sure, will profit from premium rice as well since many of our fellow countrymen also prefer premium rice,” he said.
During the peak of the 2021 election campaign, then-front runner Bongbong Marcos expressed his desire to restore the NFA’s role as the top regulator in the country’s rice supply. In fact, the President mentioned suspending the Rice Tariffication Law.
“The NFA should return to its functions as a regulatory and price stabilization agency rather than just an importation agency,” according to President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. | December 6, 2021.
