Officials on guard for gov't rice priceby Jemin B. Guillermo
Roxas City (2 July 2008) -- The National Food Authority (NFA) is stepping up its price and supply monitoring activities in the markets.
According to Edna Artates, NFA Information Officer of Capiz, they are closely monitoring the rice trading activities of their accredited retailers, amidst price increases on commercial rice in the markets here.
She said that double efforts are being done by the agency's Palengke Watch team, in close coordination with the local government units, to protect consumers against unscrupulous traders.
Artates said that they are guarding consumers here against irregularities of rice trading, especially on diversion of government rice, overpricing and non-display of price tags and signboards.
Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap earlier disclosed that the NFA and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are working in tandem in Panay in checking price movements and running after retailers and other food businessmen engaged in profiteering and other illicit trade practices.
Yap also ordered NFA officials to increase rice distribution efforts to stabilize the supply and prices of staple food in Western Visayas and assured consumers in Panay Island of adequate food supply.
Meanwhile, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo called on the United Nations to help ensure the steady supply of rice especially to needy nations amid the global threat of rising oil and food prices.
The President issued the call during the reception for UN permanent representatives at the UN Headquarters during her 10-day official visit at the United States. (PIA)
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