Imagine a country without enough rice. The National Food Authority or NFA ensures this never happens in the Philippines. The NFA is vital for food security.
Established on September 26, 1972, the National Food Authority was first known as the National Grains Authority or NGA. President Ferdinand Marcos created it. The goal was to boost the grains industry. This included rice, corn, feed grains, and even mung beans and peanuts. The NFA absorbed the Rice and Corn Board or RICOB and the Rice and Corn Administration or RCA.
The NFA supported the Masagana 99 program. This program aimed for rice self-sufficiency. From 1977 to 1981 the Philippines exported rice. However, economists say Masagana 99 failed due to unsustainable credit schemes.
On January 14, 1981, the NGA became the National Food Authority. Its responsibilities grew. It covered more food items like fruits vegetables and fish. These were called non-grains commodities. This led to Kadiwa stores. These stores sold low-priced food and household items.
Executive Order No. 1028 in 1985 deregulated the NFA’s non-grains marketing. Non-grains trading ended. The private sector handled feed grains and wheat imports. Price controls on rice and corn lifted. By 1986 all Kadiwa stores closed or were sold.
Today, the National Food Authority ensures food security. It stabilizes rice supply and prices. The NFA buys paddy from farmers. It maintains buffer stocks and processes rice. It distributes rice to strategic locations and marketing outlets.
In recent years the government considered restructuring or privatizing the NFA. This was due to globalization and budget deficits.
On May 5, 2014, the National Food Authority was reassigned to the Office of the President. Francis Pangilinan oversaw it. The NFA administrator stepped down.
On July 4, 2016, the NFA moved to the Office of the Cabinet Secretary. In September 2018 it returned to the Department of Agriculture.
In March 2024, the Ombudsman suspended NFA Administrator Roderico R. Bioco and 138 others. This was due to alleged irregular rice sales. Senator Imee Marcos sought a probe into these sales. Director Larry Lacson became the NFA Officer in Charge.
The National Food Authority has faced challenges. A public advisory warns against scammers pretending to be NFA officials. These individuals solicit money or seek favors.
The NFA’s mission is clear. It procures palay from local farmers. It maintains optimal rice inventory. It distributes rice during disasters. The NFA strives to ensure food for everyone. It values professionalism service excellence and accountability. The National Food Authority remains committed to its crucial role.