MANILA, Feb. 24 -- Consumers lauded the government's efforts to reduce rice prices as they availed of the National Food Authority (NFA) rice sale worth PHP33 per kilogram or PHP1,650 per sack on Monday in San Juan City.

San Juan is one of the initial participating local government units (LGUs) during the first release of NFA rice stock in Valenzuela City on Feb. 19 under the declaration of a food security emergency for rice.

Other LGUs include Valenzuela, Navotas, and Camarines Sur, while 67 LGUs also expressed their intent to procure NFA rice stocks from the Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI).

During the first day of the PHP33/kg NFA rice sale in San Juan, Jennifer Francisco, 48, said the cheaper rice will be beneficial for their family...