AGRICULTURE Secretary William D. Dar said the Department of Agriculture (DA) will strategically position stockpiles of key food items around Metro Manila in the event of supply disruptions arising from the outbreak of coronavirus (Covid-19).
Mr. Dar said apart from the rice in government warehouses, the food supplies to be prepositioned include rice, vegetables, fruits, eggs, fish, and pork.
“We are anticipating something that might cause the disruption of food supply. Strategically positioning means ensuring that supply is available and enough. Sapat ba ang bigas dito sa Metro Manila say, for the next one month (The Metro Manila rice supply is good for about a month)” he said.
The department considers the pre-positioning order a pre-emptive measure in the event that the outbreak worsens.
“Let’s have a plan on how to sustain the food supply for Metro Manila initially, and the whole country, eventually,” Mr. Dar said.
Mr. Dar has said stocks of many foods are ample because of the harvests in March and April.
Moreover, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported recently that the national rice inventory rose 10.9% year-on-year in February amid increased holdings by the National Food Authority. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave