“Incase na maubusan tayo dito (Kalinga) ng bigas, magso-source tayo sa nearby provinces” - NFA Branch Manager Regindin on rice supply

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Amid the ongoing crisis affecting not only fuel consumers but the general public, the National Food Authority (NFA) has assured residents of Kalinga of a steady rice supply, saying it is prepared to source stocks from nearby provinces in Cagayan, including the Isabela Branch Office, should local supplies run low.

The assurance comes as the province struggles with the effects of the current crisis, which has impacted not only fuel consumers but also the agricultural and food supply chain. The matter was raised by NFA Branch Manager Elimar Regindin during the Local Energy Crisis Task Force Meeting held on April 7 at the Golden Berries Hotel in San Juan, Tabuk City.

Regindin explained that the NFA Cagayan Branch Office, which covers the provinces of Kalinga and Apayao, is now focused on buffer stocking to ensure food security, particularly during emergencies and disasters.

He also noted that while the NFA no longer actively sells in local markets, it plays a critical role in maintaining sufficient reserves that can be distributed through government agencies during times of need.

“As we all know, the landscape of food security has evolved. Before kasi, nakikita ninyo kami sa market selling NFA rice, but now, we are focused squarely on buffer stocking—ensuring that when disaster strikes, tulad ngayon, the people of Kalinga have a reliable and sufficient supply of rice,” he said.

The branch manager assured iKalingas that measures are in place to keep the rice supply stable, noting that the agency is ready to source stocks from nearby provinces while maintaining close coordination with local agencies to ensure timely distribution.

“Nevertheless, we want to assure the province of Kalinga that in case we run out of rice here, we will source supplies from the Isabela Branch Office or other nearby provinces in Cagayan,” he added.

With these interventions, the NFA expressed confidence that it can help stabilize the rice supply in Kalinga amid ongoing uncertainties.