NFA Assure Rice Supplies Despite Mayon Eruption

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 17- The National Food Authority (NFA) regional office here assured local officials of Albay that there is a sufficient rice supplies not only for the province but for the entire Bicol region.

Catalina Jaylo, NFA regional Enforcement and Regulatory officer told members of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) that as of December 14, 2009, there are 1.5 million bags of rice available. "The available supply is good for 122 days consumption for the six provinces in the region."

"The province of Albay has nothing to worry because we have available reserve not only for the regular consumption but for Mayon eruption evacuees as well," Jaylo said.

Jaylo said that with or without calamity, the NFA rice is sufficient and available in the market.

On the other hand, Albay governor Joey Salceda announced today that there is an additional 1,000 sacks of rice procured by the provincial government and it will be repacked. "It's just an additional rice supply for distribution to evacuees." (PNA)