The National Food Authority (NFA) in Bicol on Thursday said it has prepared sufficient funds to buy palay (unhusked rice) during the ongoing harvest season.

In a phone interview, NFA-Bicol Regional Manager Julie Llenaresas said they have allocated a budget for the procurement of palay from local farmers under their cereal procurement fund.

“For sure, it is very sufficient. We have enough budget. If we exceed the procurement budget, our central office will replenish it immediately. Like for next week, we are waiting for another PHP40 million,” Llenaresas said.

She said aside from the funds they allocated, the incentives and subsidies given by different local government units (LGUs) in the region are a big factor in encouraging local farmers to sell their harvest to NFA.

“Aside from the buying price of palay per kilo, those LGUs with a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with NFA under the Palay Marketing Assistance Program for Legislators and Local Government Units (PALLGU) program will get additional increase. Mas na-eencourage po talaga ang mga farmers na ipabakal samo ang mga palay ninda. Dakula po itong tabang (The farmers are more encouraged to sell their palay to us. It’s a big help),” she said.

Among the LGUs with PALLGU agreement with NFA and their respective amount of subsidies are the provincial government of Albay — PHP3 per kilogram (kg); Malinao municipal government (Albay) — PHP2.50 per kg.; Barcelona (Sorsogon) — PHP3 per kg.; Matnog (Sorsogon) – PHP1 per kg; Sorsogon City — PHP7 per kg.; and Camarines Norte — PHP5 per kg.

Llenaresas said the NFA-Albay has surpassed its provincial palay procurement target for April by 107 percent.

“We are optimistic that other provinces will reach their target since they still have palay to be harvested,” she said. (PNA)