By Junex Doronio

MANILA — In his bid to clean up the National Food Authority (NFA) of unscrupulous officials and traders taking advantage through the sale of aging rice buffer stocks, Department of Agriculture (DA) Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. has ordered the agency’s Internal Audit Service (IAS) to examine NFA’s rice stocks disposition since 2019.

Laurel issued the directive amid the alleged irregularities in the sale of the NFA’s buffer stocks to private traders.

“DA-NFA officials and personnel are directed to extend their full assistance and cooperation to DA-IAS to ensure the successful conduct of this audit,” the DA chief said.

According to the DA news release on Saturday (09 March 2024), the department’s IAS, headed by officer-in-charge Director Joan Jagonos-Oliva, has been ordered to review the period starting in 2019 when the Rice Tariffication Law was passed.

It was learned that the passage of the Rice Tariffication Law, which allowed liberalized importation of rice, has removed the NFA’s role in regulating the rice sector as well as its function as the only agency allowed to import rice shipments into the country.

The DA clarified that NFA’s mandate now solely focuses on ensuring a sufficient supply of buffer stocks of rice in the Philippines—30 days worth of the country’s total consumption during the lean season, and 15 days otherwise.

However, the DA noted that these provisions might have been taken advantage of by unscrupulous officials and traders through the sale of aging rice buffer stocks.

“We want to see if there is a pattern of rice disposition that is disadvantageous to the government,” Laurel Jr. said.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Displaying his being a decisive leader, Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. on Monday (04 Mar 2024) temporarily took over the National Food Administration (NFA) as the suspension order covering nearly 140 officials and employees takes effect.

Maharlika NuMedia learned that the suspension of the NFA officials and employees, including administrator Roderico Bioco and assistant administrator for operations John Robert Hermano, was aimed at allowing the Ombudsman to secure all the documents and other evidence relating to the supposed “disadvantageous” sale of the buffer stocks.

“To avoid any delays in the services and projects of the agency, I will temporarily take over the leadership of the NFA. Apart from the suspended NFA personnel, who as we speak after being served their suspension letters, we expect everyone in the agency to do their regular job to ensure that our countrymen are provided the service they deserve,” Tiu Laurel declared.

The DA chief earlier established a panel to look into allegations that certain officials authorized the sale of milled rice stored in the agency’s warehouse for P25 a kilogram without bidding, and after purchasing the grains in palay (unmilled rice) at P23 per kilogram.

But the NFA issued a statement, saying it had the mandate to dispose of its rice in good and consumable condition, as it said it released the supply responsibly by stretching to the maximum shelf life and minimizing the sale of residual volume to other accounts.

“Rice is the main food staple of tens of millions of Filipinos, particularly the poor. We cannot allow those who have been entrusted this noble task to bilk the NFA, enriching themselves at the expense of millions who struggle every day for a chance to feed their families,” Laurel pointed out.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — After receiving reports that the National Food Authority (NFA) sold “thousands of tons of rice at a price disadvantageous to the government,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. has directed an investigation on the complaints.

The Agriculture chief immediately created a panel of investigators to look into allegations.

“We do not brush aside reports of impropriety against officials of the Department of Agriculture, regardless of the source. We also welcome any government agency who may wish to conduct their own probe to ferret out the truth,” Tiu Laurel said.

He added that certain NFA executives allegedly “authorized the sale of milled rice stored in the agency’s warehouse for P25 a kilo without bidding and after purchasing the grains in palay form at P23 per kilo.”

However, the names of the NFA executives have not been revealed.

“We are custodians of government funds—monies to be spent for the benefit of Filipinos, especially farmers and fisherfolk. Taxpayers’ money shouldn’t be squandered to line anybody’s pockets,” Tiu Laurel stressed.

The Agriculture chief then issued a stern warning.

“Those who profit at the expense of farmers and fisherfolk as well as Filipino consumers should be meted the harshest penalty under the law,” the DA Secretary said.

For his part, NFA Administrator Roderico Bioco said the sale was meant to dispose of aging stock.

“NFA Council allows the NFA management to dispose aging stocks up to 10% lower than the mandated price (P22.50/kg floor price up to the maximum mandated ceiling P25.00/kg) and the damaged stocks at least P6.50/kg,” Bioco said in a statement.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. assured the public on Saturday (10 Feb 2024) of an ample supply of rice in the country for the first half of the year 2024.

“We have sufficient rice supply, which should keep prices stable through the initial months of the year. Our primary focus now is on ensuring market stability,” stated Laurel.

Despite the prevailing El Niño conditions, the supply of this staple food will remain steady until June. However, prices may persist at higher levels until September due to the impact of El Niño on global rice supply and increased demand for grain.

Last week, the Philippines inked a five-year agreement with Vietnam to secure rice supply, with an expected annual quantity ranging from 1.5 million to 2.0 million metric tons.

Additionally, India has committed to providing the country with additional rice, despite the ban on the import of non-basmati rice.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Acknowledging the importance of the private sector in developing the country’s economy, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. has pronounced that he is considering tapping the sector’s help in formulating national policies and programs to fast-track the modernization of agriculture in increasing food production and ensure food security.

Since he was appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr to lead the DA in early in November, Laurel has met government officials, investors, industry experts, farmers, fishermen, and other sector stakeholders to drum up support for the agency’s push for food self-sufficiency, reduction of agricultural products importation, and to make agriculture a career-option for the younger generation.

“The collaboration of government and the private sector is crucial. We highlight the efforts and dedication of our partners in building a sustainable set of options for the future of agriculture and fisheries,” Laurel stressed in his speech during the recent National Agriculture and Fisheries Volunteers’ Day celebration and awarding ceremony of the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF).

He noted that that through the years the private sector has been “an invaluable partner of the Department of Agriculture in the development process of the industry.”

“Prompting people participation and ensuring sustainable development through sound policy recommendations are key factors that we can embrace to maintain a functional and holistic approach in dealing with the sector’s challenges,” the Agriculture chief said.

He added: “We’ve been stressing from day one—since I was appointed as the new Agriculture Secretary—the need to modernize the agriculture sector, not only to feed 118 million Filipinos but ensure food security by practicing a whole-of-nation approach.”

(ai/mnm)

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Saying that he has already divested all his business interests, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel promised to serve with integrity and not use his position to benefit his family’s fishing business.

During the confirmation hearing before the Commission on Appointments (CA) on Tuesday (December 5), the former president of Frabelle Fishing Corporation claimed that he had divested his interests before he was appointed to take the helm at the DA from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who headed the agency in a concurrent capacity before the appointment of Laurel.

“I have divested from all 68 companies through Deed of Donation or Deed of Sale,” Laurel said in response to Senator Risa Hontiveros’ concern about the possible conflict of interest with Tiu Laurel at the helm of the agriculture department.

He said he would not smear his family’s reputation by using his position to give favors to their business.

“Mr. Secretary, as we all know, you were a renowned businessman before your appointment. Various stakeholders raised their concerns regarding the supposed ‘conflict of interest’ between ties with your companies and your new government position,” Hontiveros told Tiu Laurel.

(ai/mnm)