Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Executive Director Macario D. Gonzaga denied that there is a shortage of rice supply in Davao City based on the conducted monitoring on the ground and the submitted data from the department’s partner agencies.
This is a reference to a post circulating on social media regarding the shortage of rice supply in some market outlets in Davao City. However, the said post is no longer available as it was removed by the owner of the social media account.
In a statement, DA 11 informed the public that the Office of the Regional Executive Director immediately convened on Friday the operations and marketing team specifically its Bantay Presyo to investigate and provide clarification on the issue.
The agency confirmed that the information online is inaccurate.
DA 11 cited data from the National Plant Quarantine Services (NSQCS), which showed that 3,465 metric tons (MT) or 69,300 bags at 50 kilos per bag of rice had just arrived at the Port of Davao.
It also said that the National Food Authority 11 (NFA 11) also confirmed that there is enough buffer stock.
“Our Bantay Presyo Team also reported that there has been no significant price movement of rice in the past monitoring activities,” Gonzaga said.
Gonzaga also enjoined the cooperation of everyone to be alert and report to the authorities any illegal acts of price manipulation such as hoarding, profiteering, cartel in violation of Republic Act 7581 or The Price Act.
“Let us work together to keep our community informed. Before sharing information online, please double-check its accuracy to avoid unnecessary panic,” he said.
Meanwhile, Councilor Disodado Angelo R. Mahipus Jr. passed a resolution on Tuesday asking the National Bureau of Investigation 11 (NBI 11) and the National Food Authority 11 (NFA 11) to immediately investigate for verification of the reports of shortage of rice for sale to the public in Davao City.
In his privileged speech during the 20th City Council regular session, Mahipus said these reports are dangerous, if untrue, because they may lead to panic buying, but more dangerous, if it is true because rice is a food staple and many families may not have sufficient rice for the coming days.
“A rice shortage would cause its prices to go up and sa kamahal sa kuryente, kamahal sa tubig, unsaon na lang ang atong katawhan nga naglisud. These are unverified reports and I doubt na wala dyoy bugas,” he said.
Mahipus added that maybe someone is hoarding or sabotaging the rice supply in the city.
“There might be no shortage but there may be people hoarding our supply leading to the shortage of rice “for sale” to the public,” he said.
