Capitol moves to assure buffer rice stock
LINGAYEN–The provincial government has renewed its partnership with the National Food Authority (NFA) to ensure that enough rice is readily available in case of a calamity.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) approved on July 8 Provincial Resolution No. 2-2013, which authorizes Governor Amado Espino Jr. to enter into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with NFA Pangasinan on the Rice Loan Program to be used in actual relief operations and for stockpiling in preparation for a disaster.
Under the program, loaned bags of rice to the local government units are payable in six months.
SP member Danilo Uy, principal author of the resolution, said the rice loan to the provincial government will cushion the impact of any calamity.
Under the resolution, municipal and city government units are also authorized to set aside five percent from their estimated revenue from regular sources for calamity fund, inclusive of their internal revenue allotment (IRA) and 20% for special development fund.
The maximum quantity of rice loan that the provincial government can avail of within the period covered by the MOA is 5,000 bags for the provincial government, 2,000 bags for the city governments, and 1,000 bags for the municipal governments.
Rolando Rufo, NFA Western Pagnasinan branch manager said that at present, there are 134,491 bags of rice available anytime in their facility.
NFA Western Pangasinan covers the 1st to 3rd Districts and part of the 4th District.
In June to September 2012, the provincial government, through the Provincial Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC), availed of 830 bags from the office, Rufo added.
Meanwhile, Ligaya Apolinario, NFA Eastern Pangasinan assistant branch manager said there 300,000 bags of rice available. – Johanne R. Macob and Eva Visperas
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
