53,000 bags or rice released distributed to 'Yolanda' victims

MANILA, philippines - A total of 53,369 bags of rice have been released by the National Food Authority (NFA) as part of the government's relief operations for the victims of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in Iloilo.

NFA Iloilo Assistant Manager Jose Pacificador said 500 the last delivery made to the Department of Social Welfare and Development was 500 bags of rice, which were distributed to the victims of the super typhoon in the northern part of the province.

The NFA Iloilo Office said from December 1 to 6, it released 95 bags of rice to the various local government units (LGUs), 75 bags to the private individuals and organizations, 160 bags to retailers and 830 bags to the Office of Civil Defense. These were used in meeting the food requirement for the typhoon survivors.

From November 7 to 30, the NFA also released 51,709 bags of rice of which the bulk was requested by the DSWD -- with 27,238 bags for prepositioning and relief operations.

Pacificador said they have already requested for rice importation which has been approved by their central office for replenishment of the stocks.

In coordination with the DSWD and local government units, he said that rice withdrawal for relief operations is going on smoothly.