Good news
WE are happy to hear that there’s sufficient supply of rice in this Southeast Asian nation of more than 110 million people early next year.
Coming from a top executive of the Department of Agriculture (DA), headed by President Marcos himself, the assurance is, without doubt, “good news” to everybody.
Admittedly, a rice shortage in the country is seen to worry not only the ordinary Filipinos but also national and local government authorities at a “time of economic hardship.”
Many businesses are still trying to recover their losses after two years of crippling lockdown brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa made the assurance after expecting an abundant palay harvest this wet season and the expected arrival of rice imports.
Once the wet season harvest ends next month, the DA expects about 94 days of national stock inventory.
“Although we expect additional (rice) imports, our national stock inventory is at a very comfortable level. Normally, we expect between 60 to 90 days,” according to the DA official.
Despite the assurance of a sufficient rice supply early next year, there’s still that need to go after the country’s rice smugglers and hoarders as ordered by President Marcos.
