NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Marcos Jr. To Farmers: We're Bringing Back The Old NFA - To Buy Your Palay And Help Lower Rice Prices
Photo credit: PCO
In a visit that felt more like a catch-up than a formal inspection, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. told farmers in Bulacan that he’s determined to bring the National Food Authority (NFA) back to its original purpose — buying rice from local farmers and keeping prices stable for everyone.
Speaking to farmers and cooperative leaders in San Ildefonso on Wednesday, Marcos said, “Binabalik natin ang NFA.” He explained that when the agency was first established, its core job was clear: rice and corn. Specifically, it was created to buy palay during harvest season so that farmers wouldn’t suffer from falling prices, and to sell rice during lean months to protect consumers from price spikes.
“That system disappeared over the years,” he said. “Ngayon, ibinabalik natin.”
This throwback to the original NFA is part of a bigger move to support local agriculture and reduce the country’s dependence on rice imports. “Pinalitan ang trabaho ng NFA, naging importer,” the President noted, clearly dissatisfied with the agency’s current limited role under the Rice Tariffication Law passed in 2019. “Sabi ko, hindi dapat ganun.”
At the center of his visit was a stop at the NFA warehouse in Barangay Malipampang, where he was joined by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel and NFA Administrator Larry Lacson. Marcos spoke directly with farmers about setting a floor price for palay — essentially a guaranteed minimum price — to help ensure they’re not shortchanged during harvest time.
The NFA, originally established as the National Grains Authority by his father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., in 1972, was meant to oversee not just rice but also corn, monggo, peanuts, and other grains. Over time, however, its powers were reduced, particularly after the Rice Tariffication Law turned the NFA into a buffer stock agency.
But Marcos Jr. wants to turn back the clock — not out of nostalgia, but out of necessity. “We’re looking at every way we can support our farmers and bring back a system that worked,” he told the gathered crowd.
For now, the President’s message is clear: the NFA’s revival is on the horizon, and it’s all about making sure farmers get a fair deal — and that Filipinos get affordable rice on the table.
Speaking to farmers and cooperative leaders in San Ildefonso on Wednesday, Marcos said, “Binabalik natin ang NFA.” He explained that when the agency was first established, its core job was clear: rice and corn. Specifically, it was created to buy palay during harvest season so that farmers wouldn’t suffer from falling prices, and to sell rice during lean months to protect consumers from price spikes.
“That system disappeared over the years,” he said. “Ngayon, ibinabalik natin.”
This throwback to the original NFA is part of a bigger move to support local agriculture and reduce the country’s dependence on rice imports. “Pinalitan ang trabaho ng NFA, naging importer,” the President noted, clearly dissatisfied with the agency’s current limited role under the Rice Tariffication Law passed in 2019. “Sabi ko, hindi dapat ganun.”
At the center of his visit was a stop at the NFA warehouse in Barangay Malipampang, where he was joined by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel and NFA Administrator Larry Lacson. Marcos spoke directly with farmers about setting a floor price for palay — essentially a guaranteed minimum price — to help ensure they’re not shortchanged during harvest time.
The NFA, originally established as the National Grains Authority by his father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., in 1972, was meant to oversee not just rice but also corn, monggo, peanuts, and other grains. Over time, however, its powers were reduced, particularly after the Rice Tariffication Law turned the NFA into a buffer stock agency.
But Marcos Jr. wants to turn back the clock — not out of nostalgia, but out of necessity. “We’re looking at every way we can support our farmers and bring back a system that worked,” he told the gathered crowd.
For now, the President’s message is clear: the NFA’s revival is on the horizon, and it’s all about making sure farmers get a fair deal — and that Filipinos get affordable rice on the table.
May 28, 2025
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
