The National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) approved on Thursday a resolution urging the Department of Agriculture (DA) to declare a food security emergency, particularly focusing on rice products.

According to Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Kristina Roque, who also serves as the acting Chairman of the NPCC, the declaration is necessary to allow the National Food Authority (NFA) to release its rice buffer stock and sell it to address supply issues and stabilize prices.

The resolution was welcomed by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, who earlier hinted at the initiative during an ambush interview in Pasig City. He mentioned plans to make NFA rice available not only to local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila but also to other government agencies nationwide.

Under the Rice Tariffication Law (Republic Act No. 11203), the NFA is mandated to maintain a buffer stock of rice primarily for disaster and emergency relief purposes. The agency can only release its stock in situations where a food security emergency is officially declared.