Tabac pushes decentralized rice rollout amid long queue at NFA

Councilor Marlo L. Tabac wants the ₱20-per-kilo rice to be sold at the barangay level to eliminate the massive crowds currently bottlenecked at the National Food Authority (NFA) warehouse in Barangay Tablon.

In his special report, Tabac revealed that buyers, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women, wait overnight and line up as early as 5:00 am to secure numbered slots, then wait until 8:00 am for the sale.

“Mibisita kita didto. Grabe ang sakripisyo sa atong mga kabus nga kaigsuonan,” he said, stressing the need to uphold the dignity of buyers as many remain unserved after hours under extreme heat and cold.

The NFA serves about 500 to 600 buyers daily, but demand far exceeds supply, leaving many without rice despite the long wait.

To decongest queues, Tabac proposed decentralizing sales to the barangay level using covered courts, with local governments helping in the management of distribution.

He also urged the City Council committees on agriculture and on trade and commerce to meet with the Department of Agriculture and the NFA to harmonize efforts.

“Kaya ni kung magtinabangay ang gobyerno,” he said.

Councilor Christopher Goking said the city had requested as early as March 26 the opening of another distribution site in Barangay Patag, but approval from the NFA is still pending.

He also cited limited supply, with only about 2,000 sacks allocated and distribution handled by Food Terminal Incorporated.

Presiding Officer Pro Tempore Councilor Roger Abaday referred Tabac’s concern to the committees on agriculture, fisheries, and aquatic resources and on trade and commerce respectively chaired on Councilor Antuy Pascual and Councilor George Christopher Goking for coordination and appropriation action. (FDC/SP)