Manila, Sept. 9 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday urged lawmakers to allow the restoration of the National Food Authority's (NFA) power to procure corn from local farmers.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., in a statement, underscored the need for such a move given its significance in both the poultry and livestock sectors.

"These sectors are central to the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of a food-secure Philippines," he said.

Data from the National Corn Program show yellow corn accounts for around 62 percent of poultry feeds, and the same variant accounts for around 46 percent of the feeds used for livestock.

"Corn is not just a rice substitute in the Visayas and Mindanao, it is the backbone o...