Wednesday, April 09, 2008 No rice shortage in city, NFA says
THERE is no rice shortage in Davao City, according to the National Food Authority (NFA).
NFA Provincial Director Lorenzo Camayong, who was called by the council to "shed light" on the issue Tuesday, said the city has enough supply and will even have more as NFA has already relaxed the policy on exclusive import of rice.
"Private businessmen and farmers' cooperative can now apply for license to import rice but we will still regulate it to prevent abuse such as hoarding," Camayong said.
Camayong also urged the public to report retailers who sell the NFA rice at more than P18.75 per kilo.
This following the statement of Councilor Teresita Mata-Marañon that there were stores selling NFA rice at P24-25 per kilo during her visit to the Bankerohan Public Market.
Camayong, however, denied this was possible as the NFA has regular price watchers in the market.
"Pero kung meron man i-report ninyo. We will cancel their license," Camayong said. (But if there are such incidents, report them to us.)
Camayong, on the other hand, admitted the moratorium on the conversion of lands for export crops is a solution to the shortage. (GLP)
