13/04/2026
BETTER VENUES, BETTER SYSTEMS: LEGAZPI LGU PARTNERS WITH NFA FOR P20-PESO RICE DISTRIBUTION
LEGAZPI CITY -- Ensuring that affordable food doesn't come at the cost of comfort and dignity, the City Government of Legazpi is stepping up to overhaul the distribution system of subsidized rice for Albayanos. πΎβ¨
STRATEGIC COORDINATION FOR THE PEOPLE π€π’
To address the growing concern of long queuesβspecifically for senior citizensβoutside the National Food Authority (NFA) office, Mayor Hisham Ismail convened a vital coordination meeting.
The Mayor met with NFA representatives Sir Al Martin A. Menes (Acting Branch Manager) and Ms. Aireen A. Poyatos (Acting Assistant Branch Manager) to hammer out a logistics plan that prioritizes the welfare of the public. ππ¨βπΌ
UNDERSTANDING THE NEW NFA MANDATE π
Under the Rice Tariffication Law, the NFAβs role has shifted significantly. Here is the current breakdown of their operations:
Buffer Stocking: Focusing on emergency reserves. π¦
Local Support: Buying palay directly from local farmers. π©βπΎ
Emergency Supply: Selling rice only during calamities or via LGUs and agencies like DSWD or OCD. π
The 20-Peso Program: While the NFA supplies the rice, the current 20-peso per kilo initiative is managed under the Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI). π
Because the NFA no longer holds "regulatory" functions, the old accredited retail outlets in local markets and barangays are no longer operational, leading to the centralized crowding seen recently.
A MORE COMFORTABLE EXPERIENCE ποΈ
The primary goal of this partnership is to transition the distribution to a safer, more organized, and comfortable venue. The LGU aims to implement a system that:
1. Eliminates Midnight Queues: Reducing the need for residents to line up in the early morning hours. ππ«
2. Protects Vulnerable Sectors: Providing better seating and shade for seniors and PWDs. πͺβοΈ
3. Streamlines Flow: Creating a faster process for every LegazpeΓ±o and Albayano. πββοΈπ¨
"Our government is continuously looking for concrete solutions to improve our services and ensure that the welfare of every citizen is protected," the local government stated.
COMMUNITY COOPERATION β€οΈ
The City Government expresses its gratitude to the public for their continued patience and cooperation as these improvements are rolled out. Through the leadership of Mayor Ismail, the city remains committed to making essential goods accessible without the burden of a chaotic system. ποΈπ
