Cheaper rice from Vietnam, Thailand available in Caraga

MANILA, Philippines — The National Food Authority (NFA) is now selling low-priced rice imported from Vietnam and Thailand in the Caraga region.

In a statement, the NFA said it has started distributing P27 and P32 per kilogram rice through 188 accredited retailers in Agusan and Surigao, including the islands of Dinagat and Siargao.

“The initial shipment of the 250,000 metric tons (MT) government to government rice arrived on June 2 at the Surigao and Subic ports, but the rice was not immediately unloaded due to bad weather,” the NFA said.

Last May 4, the NFA awarded Vietnam and Thailand the contract to supply 250,000 MT of rice consisting of 200,000 MT of 25 percent and 50,000 MT of 15 percent broken rice.

“Unloading of the 5,000 MT allotted for Surigao was completed only last Saturday, June 16, and after the necessary documentation and prescribed procedures, the stocks were distributed on June 18, according to NFA Surigao Del Norte provincial manager Daisy Luna.

The NFA said it also unloaded part of the 126,000 bags from MV An Thinh Phu in Tobaco, Albay.

Meanwhile, after 13 days at berth, unloading operations commenced in Zambales as weather conditions improved.

NFA Zambales provincial manager Jonathan Yazon said heavy rains have prevented the NFA office to unload the imported rice from MV Tyson 2 docked at the Subic Freeport. 

“In other disport areas across the country, the vessels carrying imported rice have started to arrive. Without weather issues, unloading operations will proceed accordingly,” the NFA said.

The NFA also reported that two haulers discharged from MV Truong Loc docked at the Macabalan Port in Cagayan de Oro City arrived at the NFA office in Baloy loaded with 92,000 bags of imported rice from Vietnam.

Based on the contract to supply, Thailand was set to bring in 60,000 MT of 25 percent broken rice not later than May 31, 2018, and the balance of 60,000 MT not later than June 15, 2018.