DA to Quality of Affordable Rice “may 1-3 percent na na-downgrade ang quality or nabubukbok”
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has ensured the quality of affordable rice for Visayas at P20 per kilogram.
The affordable rice is part of a special program where the national government, together with local government units (LGUs), will help cover the cost so families can buy rice at a lower price.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel made it clear that this program is not connected to any political event or upcoming election. The reason it is being launched in Visayas first is because the National Food Authority (NFA) has a large stock of rice in the area.
People might wonder if the rice being sold at this low price is old or of low quality. But Secretary Laurel assured everyone that the rice is fresh and safe to eat.
“The 20 peso per kilo will be subsidized by national government and participating LGUs so for the pilot it is sustainable as we have a lot of stocks of rice. Kaya nga kailangan ma-move out while they are still very good,” Laurel said.
While it’s true that a small portion of rice in storage may sometimes develop issues, like damage or insects, the NFA has systems in place to catch and remove those before the rice is distributed.
The rice being sold will meet industry standards. If any problems are found, they will make sure those stocks are not sent out. The goal is to provide good quality rice at an affordable price, without compromising on safety or health.
The pilot run is a positive step towards helping families manage their food expenses. With the government’s support, people in the Visayas can expect clean, safe, and affordable rice soon.
“Normally may 1-3 percent na na-downgrade ang quality or nabubukbok for many reasons. So, there is no real guarantee na 100 percent will be okay. Important is pasok sa standard industry levels. If there are incidence of sira or bukbok, we just have to make sure na hindi ma-deliver ‘yan and sa origin pa lang matabi ‘yan and maimbestigahan,” Laurel added.
In a previous post, Sara Duterte raises concern on quality of rice to be sold at P20 per kilo: “hindi mga hayop ang mga pilipino”
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