NFA sets pre-bid confab for rice importation

MANILA, Philippines - A pre-bid conference on April 3 has been set by the National Food Authority for the importation of 800,000 metric tons (MT) of rice buffer stock for this year.

The actual bidding  would be held on April 15.

NFA spokesman Rex Estoperez said the terms of reference for the importation would be read out during the April 3 pre-bid conference which would be held at 9 a.m. at the Social Hall of the Sugar Regulatory Administration building in Quezon City.

The supplier for Manila’s rice buffer stock this year would be selected though an open bidding to be held at the NFA headquarters in Quezon City.

An open bidding scheme would allow countries and other private companies with no existing rice supply agreement with the Philippines to vie for the supply of Manila’s buffer stock requirement this year.

Bidders must be able to supply long grain white rice that is well-milled and with 15 percent brokens, and should be able to deliver the volume in four tranches between April to August.

Only Vietnam and Cambodia currently have supply agreements with the Philippines as Thailand was not able to renew its supply agreement with the country.

Estoperez said that with the open bidding scheme in place, Thailand would be able to participate in the bid without renewing its supply agreement.

An open bidding would also enable the NFA to procure the buffer stock at the best price.

The lean season for palay (unhusked rice) falls between July to September when farmers produce less to avoid crop damage caused by typhoons that routinely visit the country during this time.