In order to silence people’s speculation that there is rice shortage, the National Food Authority (NFA) should flood the market with several thousands of bags of the staple food.
Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) vice president for trade and commerce Antonio T. dela Cruz made this statement, adding such a move would allow people to buy rice freely.
The DCCCII would like to enjoin concerned government agencies to take immediate steps to release sufficient rice stocks to saturate demand, audit large rice farms, rice millers and large rice traders, investigate and prosecute hoarders and profiteers, while seeking long-term sustainable solutions, dela Cruz said.
Dela Cruz added that they were saddened by the situation even as he said that no member in the DCCCII is involved in rice trading. We deplore most vehemently the practice of hoarding and profiteering both at the trade and consumer levels, he said.
Earlier, the DCCCII issued a statement through its president Simeon P. Marfori II stating that it recognizes that the crisis in food is a global phenomenon and Davao City, being a member of the global community, has been dragged by the dizzying ripple effect of this food crisis.
The statement also said the incorrect perception of a rice shortage is likely being fueled by speculation by consumers as well as by some rice traders, millers and growers.
Dela Cruz said this is where government needs to drastically intervene to protect the public, especially the poor. Government needs to act quickly to alleviate the situation and to erase the public’s misperception of a rice shortage.
The chamber also asked media to temper their reporting so as to correct any incorrect perception of a rice shortage and avoid sensationalizing the situation further.
Davao City councilor Diosdado Mahipus meanwhile clarified that running an NFA outlet could be a good business, contrary to what some people believe. He said with the city’s population, operating an outlet is profitable and encouraged entrepreneurs to look into it. More outlets could serve more people especially now, he said.
As far as rice fortification is concerned, Arnold Alindada of the regional Bureau of Food and Drug (BFAD) said this has not been fully implemented and the NFA had asked their office for an extension.
Under Republic Act (RA) 8976, rice is among the staple foods that are mandatory for fortification and has to be fortified with iron; while wheat flour has to be fortified with vitamin A and iron; and refined sugar with vitamin A.
He said the fortification of processed foods or food products as specified by law have to be undertaken by the manufacturers. (PIA)
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