LAGAWE, Ifugao – All towns of the province have partnered with the National Food Authority (NFA) for the provision of rice assistance particularly in times of calamities so as not to affect the availability of food, especially in calamity-stricken areas which need such assistance during the onslaught of natural calamities.
NFA-Ifugao manager Corazon Pangan disclosed that the 11 local government units (LGUS) here signed a Memorandum of Agreement with NFA to avail of the rice loan of the grain agency in order to ensure the availability of rice supply in the countryside as a safety net once roads leading to the different municipalities are closed to the onslaught of natural calamities.
This allows municipalities to purchase NFA rice on credit for relief operations for stockpiling in preparation of emergencies that may occur at any given time or whenever a state of calamity is declared.
The LGU shall pay the rice issued and the fee, if any within 30 working days from date of receipt of billing. Any bill unpaid after the said period shall be subjected to a penalty at the rate of two percent per month based on the amount due so that local governments will be compelled to immediately settle their obligations with the agency.
In the event that another disaster occurs while the LGU has an unpaid balance, additional credit may be allowed provided the additional purchases shall not exceed 100 bags.
The LGU should withdraw the approved quantity of stocks within 15 working days from the NFA provincial office. Stocks not withdrawn within the prescribed days shall be deemed cancelled.
