CEBU, Philippines - In case El Niño hits the region, National Food Authority – 7 assures that there would be sufficient supply of rice for public consumption.
NFA – 7 public information officer Maria Lucia Rosales said the region has sufficient supply of NFA rice for the whole year.
“We have sufficient stock of rice, which is important since it is the basic commodity among Filipinos,” said Rosales.
She, however, refused to give any data.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said El Niño may occur starting March.
It noted that El Niño could affect the normal rainfall pattern in the country generally, resulting in reduced rainfall.
In anticipation of El Niño, Rosales said, the agency has secured a stock of rice, which is Philippines’ staple food.
“We are ready for any untoward incident like typhoon, usa ang El Niño sa among gipangandaman,” she said while recalling the incident of the super typhoon Yolanda in November in 2013. (FREEMAN)