No rice shortage
IT is certainly heartening to know that the rice supply in the Philippines is more than enough for the coming months.
Of course, this is good news in this country since rice is the staple food for about 80 percent of the Filipino people.
In fact, it is the single most important agricultural crop in the country, where the world famous International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is located.
The Department of Agriculture (DA), through Undersecretary Leocadio Santiago, announced the ” good news” during a recent “Laging Handa” public briefing.
Concurrently headed by President Marcos, the agriculture department said there’s no rice shortage despite the fact that Typhoon Egay ravaged the agriculture sector.
“Our rice supply is more than enough for our needs for the next few months,” said Sebastian, adding the rice sector incurred a staggering P1.75 billion in losses.
He said: “We are at the peak of planting, we expect that this month there will be harvests, and in September there will be many harvests. We have a sufficient supply of rice.”
Despite the “good news,” concerned government offices and agencies and even the general public ought to remain vigilant not only in the metropolis but elsewhere.
Admittedly, unscrupulous traders may take advantage of the situation, particularly in far-flung communities.
Sigurado, nandiyan lang ang mga walang pusong profiteer, hoarder at iba bang mapagsamantalang negosyante na gustong kumita ng malaki sa madaling panahon.
