Pangasinan council rejects measure for NFA rice deal

ALCALA, Pangasinan, Philippines – The mayor of this town has expressed concern over the disapproval by the municipal council of a resolution seeking to procure rice from the National Food Authority (NFA).

Mayor Ryan Paolo Mencias is worried that the council’s action would give the municipal government a hard time in procuring NFA rice during emergencies.

“Many residents of Alcala feared that no rice subsidy would come to the town during calamities,” Mencias posted on his social media account.

The Sangguniang Bayan (SB), presided over by Vice Mayor Jojo Callejo, on Sept. 28 rejected Resolution 2015-35 seeking to give Mencias authority to enter into a deal with the NFA.

Had the measure been approved, the NFA will reserve a maximum of 1,000 sacks of rice on a credit basis for the town.

“The SB members who rejected the measure are accountable if no rice subsidy and other relief goods are delivered to the people when the need arises,” Councilor Fe Peregrino said.

Mencias said a majority of Pangasinan towns have availed themselves of this NFA program. He said those who rejected the measure are known allies of the vice mayor.

With the disapproval of the measure, the municipal government would be compelled to buy from private rice retailers, which Mencias said would entail additional cost. 

Mencias and Callejo were running mates during the 2013 elections. In April, Callejo declared his intent to run for mayor in 2016, while Mencias is seeking re-election.